IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a network security technology that not only detects potentially malicious activities like an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) but also takes proactive steps to prevent or block these activities. This technology plays a crucial role in the defense strategy of a network by actively managing and mitigating security threats in real-time.

The IPS works by monitoring network traffic to identify suspicious activity that could indicate an attack. Upon detecting such activity, the system analyses the traffic against predefined security policies and known threat signatures. If the traffic is confirmed to be malicious, the IPS takes immediate action to block it from reaching its target. This could involve dropping malicious packets, closing access points, or alerting system administrators while automatically taking countermeasures.

Unlike an IDS, which primarily serves as an alert system, an IPS is placed directly in the line of network traffic. This inline placement allows it to effectively intercept and analyze all network communications, making real-time prevention of attacks possible.

To enhance network security, IPS systems often use various detection methods, including signature-based detection and anomaly-based detection, to accurately identify and mitigate threats. They are an integral part of a comprehensive security framework, helping to ensure that networks remain resilient against both known and emerging security threats.