Intrusion Detection System Definition:
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a security tool used to monitor network or system activity for malicious behaviour or policy violations. IDSs analyse traffic patterns, detect potential threats, and alert administrators, allowing for timely responses to possible security incidents.
What is Intrusion Detection System?
IDSs work by inspecting traffic and identifying suspicious patterns or known attack signatures. There are two main types: Network-based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS), which monitors network traffic, and Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS), which monitors specific devices or endpoints. By detecting unauthorised access attempts or unusual activity, IDSs help organisations identify and respond to threats before they escalate.
Why is Intrusion Detection System important?
The purpose of an IDS is to enhance security by providing visibility into network and system activity, allowing for proactive threat detection. IDSs help organisations identify and respond to attacks that may bypass other security defences, improving Incident Response and minimising potential damage.
How does Intrusion Detection System work?
IDSs operate by comparing network or system traffic against a database of known attack signatures or by detecting anomalies based on predefined behavioural patterns. When suspicious activity is detected, the IDS generates alerts for security teams. Common IDS tools include Snort and Suricata for network-based detection and OSSEC for host-based monitoring.
Intrusion Detection System Examples:
Examples of IDS in action include detecting port scans, identifying brute-force login attempts, and monitoring for abnormal data exfiltration. A NIDS might detect multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address, while a HIDS could alert administrators to unusual file modifications on a specific server.
Intrusion Detection System Issues:
While IDSs are effective in detecting known threats, they can produce false positives, which may lead to alert fatigue. Additionally, IDSs do not block threats but only monitor and alert, making them most effective when combined with other security tools like Firewalls or Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). Regular tuning and updates are essential to maintain accuracy and reduce false alerts.
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