The modern digital world is unimaginable without reliable data protection. As technology advances, so does the number of cyber threats that can lead to the leakage of confidential information, financial losses, and IT infrastructure disruptions.
Information security is a set of measures aimed at protecting data from unauthorized access, modification, and destruction.
The role of reliable hosting in cybersecurity
One of the key aspects of data protection is using a reliable hosting platform. PSB Hosting offers solutions that ensure maximum security and protection against threats such as DDoS attacks, unauthorized access, and software vulnerabilities.
Advantages of PSB Hosting in cybersecurity:
- Highly secured infrastructure with powerful monitoring tools.
- DDoS protection at the data center level to prevent attacks.
- Data encryption and secure connections to protect confidential information.
- 24/7 monitoring and rapid response to threats.
Common cybersecurity threats
- Malware – viruses, trojans, spyware, and worms that infiltrate systems to steal data, disable hardware, or extort the owner.
- Phishing – tricking users into providing confidential information (logins, passwords, banking data) via fake websites or messages.
- DDoS attacks – overwhelming servers and networks with excessive requests, making online resources unavailable.
- Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks – intercepting data between a user and a server, allowing attackers to alter information.
- Exploiting vulnerabilities – using software flaws to gain unauthorized system access.
Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) play a crucial role in protecting network infrastructure. These systems help detect and prevent intrusions or hacking attempts, becoming an essential part of modern digital security.
Next, we will explore their differences, working principles, and use cases.
Infrastructure protection with PSB Hosting
Using a high-quality hosting provider is one of the most effective ways to mitigate cyber threats. PSB Hosting offers reliable server solutions with advanced security features, making it an excellent choice for organizations aiming to enhance security levels.
- Support for IDS/IPS to prevent intrusions.
- Flexible firewall configurations for filtering suspicious traffic.
- Data backup and protection against leaks.
What is an IDS (Intrusion Detection System)?
IDS is an intrusion detection system designed to monitor network traffic and analyze events to identify potential attacks or suspicious activity.
Unlike an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System), IDS does not block threats but only reports them to an administrator, allowing timely incident response.
How IDS works
IDS analyzes network traffic and user behavior using various methods:
- Signature-based detection – searching for known attack patterns using a threat signature database. This method is effective against known threats but vulnerable to new exploits.
- Anomaly-based detection – detecting suspicious deviations from normal network behavior. This helps identify unknown threats but may lead to false positives.
- Hybrid method – combines signature-based and behavioral analysis for more accurate attack detection.
Upon detecting a threat, an IDS may take the following actions:
- Log the incident for further analysis.
- Notify the administrator about suspicious activity.
- Transmit data to a SIEM system for further evaluation.
Key functions of IDS
- Real-time network traffic monitoring.
- Threat and anomaly detection using various analytical methods.
- Logging security events and maintaining incident reports.
- Detection of malware, phishing, and exploit attempts.
- Integration with other security systems (e.g., SIEM, firewalls, antivirus software).
Examples of popular IDS systems
- Snort – one of the most popular open-source IDS using signature-based analysis.
- Suricata – high-performance IDS/IPS with multi-threaded traffic analysis and deep packet inspection.
- OSSEC – a host-based IDS (HIDS) that monitors file changes, system logs, and process behavior.
What is an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)?
An IPS is used to prevent intrusions and actively block threats in real time. Unlike IDS, which only detects attacks, IPS not only reports intrusions but also takes measures to prevent their impact.
IPS operates at the network level, analyzing traffic to block suspicious activity before it can harm systems or data.
How IPS works
IPS analyzes network traffic using the same methods as IDS (signature-based and anomaly-based analysis). However, the key difference is that when a threat is detected, IPS takes immediate action to block it.
Such actions may include:
- Blocking the attacker's IP address.
- Filtering traffic with suspicious packets.
- Rerouting traffic to safer channels.
- Disabling vulnerable services or applications.
Key functions of IPS
- Real-time traffic monitoring and threat detection.
- Preventing attacks by blocking malicious traffic before it reaches the protected network.
- Detecting and blocking malware and exploits targeting system vulnerabilities.
- Deep packet inspection for identifying known and unknown threats.
- Integration with other security tools, such as firewalls, antivirus solutions, and SIEM systems.
Examples of popular IPS systems
- Palo Alto Networks – advanced IPS that blocks network-level threats and integrates with other security tools.
- Cisco Firepower – IPS from Cisco providing real-time threat detection, blocking, and automatic response.
- Check Point IPS – security solution that prevents threats using signature-based and behavioral analysis.
Key differences between IDS and IPS
| Feature | IDS (Intrusion Detection System) | IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Detects intrusions and threats | Detects and prevents intrusions in real-time |
| Response to threats | Notifies the administrator or logs the incident | Blocks or prevents the threat in real-time |
| Methods of analysis | Signature-based and behavioral analysis to detect threats | Uses signature-based and behavioral analysis but also takes action to block threats |
| Location | Usually installed outside the network to monitor traffic | Often placed inside the network for active traffic filtering |
| Performance impact | Minimal impact since it does not block traffic | Can cause latency due to real-time analysis and filtering |
| Prevention capability | Does not prevent attacks, only reports them | Prevents attacks by blocking them before they infiltrate |
| Usage | Primarily used for analysis and incident logging, as well as SIEM integration | Used for real-time security, such as in corporate networks and firewalls |
Pros and cons of IDS and IPS
Advantages of IDS:
- Minimal impact on performance
- Flexibility and customization for various threats
- Works in conjunction with other security systems
Disadvantages of IDS:
- Does not block attacks
- Possible false positives
- Limited protection against new threats
Advantages of IPS:
- Proactive protection
- Instant response to threats
- Comprehensive security with multiple analysis methods
Disadvantages of IPS:
- Significant impact on network performance
- Higher cost and complexity of configuration
- Possible false positives
How to choose between IDS and IPS
An IDS is suitable for organizations that need monitoring and traffic analysis without direct intervention, for example, for lower-risk or less sensitive data.
On the other hand, an IPS is ideal for companies that require proactive protection, such as government agencies or large corporations where immediate threat blocking is crucial.
For maximum security, both solutions can be used together for monitoring and active threat prevention.