If you're like most business owners, you are probably always looking for ways to tighten your network's security. One way to do that is by installing an intrusion detection system (IDS). An IDS provides a number of benefits that can help keep your business's data and networks safe from a wide variety of threats. Moreover, IDS offers an invaluable layer of protection that conventional perimeter security systems don't provide.
Here's some essential information about intrusion detection systems and the ways they can protect your business's vital data and networks.
What does an IDS do?
An IDS helps detect and respond to any malicious activities on a computer network by monitoring for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts or data manipulation. IDS has many uses but it is particularly helpful in preventing attackers from stealing sensitive information or gaining access to privileged accounts.
The main reason to install an IDS, however, is to detect intrusions fast and accurately. To do this, IDS uses either signature-based detection or anomaly-based detection. Signature-based detection involves searching through network traffic for specific patterns associated with known attacks. On the other hand, anomaly-based detection involves examining the activity on the network and flagging anything that doesn’t fit common patterns as possibly malicious.
When an intrusion is detected, an IDS will usually alert the user and/or the system administrator. It may also take further action depending upon its configuration, such as blocking or logging out certain users, disabling certain services, or even shutting down the system itself if necessary. This is to ensure that any threats are dealt with immediately before they cause harm to the network.
Like an IDS, an intrusion prevention system (IPS) can detect suspicious traffic, but a key difference is that an IPS actively blocks any such traffic rather than just alerting administrators about it. It's more proactive at preventing attacks compared to an IDS, which typically only issues alerts after a breach has already occurred.
Top benefits of installing an intrusion detection system
Here are the ways that an IDS can boost your network's protection:
It identifies potential weaknesses in your network
IDS solutions are able to detect unusual or suspicious activity on a network, which can be a sign of a potential security weakness or vulnerability. This helps administrators identify any possible weak points in the network that need to be patched up in order to prevent future attacks.
It reduces the risk of data loss and other damages
By detecting intrusions fast, an IDS can help reduce the risk of data loss that may be due to malicious activity or unauthorized access. This is especially important for businesses and organizations that store sensitive or confidential data on their cloud systems, as any security breach could have devastating financial or reputational consequences.
It provides multilayered security
Traditional signature-based detection systems may identify and block known threats, but an IDS takes threat detection a step further. It vigilantly watches for suspicious behavior beyond just identifying preprogrammed entries in its database of known threats.
To illustrate, antivirus software only offers a reactive solution, whereas an IDS is capable of both analyzing and responding to potential threats in real time, making it more effective at mitigating the risk of cyberattacks.
It offers greater visibility into your network
An IDS provides administrators with greater visibility into their networks, allowing them to quickly identify and address any potential threats. The system also allows for detailed monitoring of user activities, which can help determine if users are engaging in suspicious activity or showing malicious behavior that could lead to a security breach. And when administrators can spot any suspicious activity early, they can take the necessary steps to prevent any further damage.
It improves compliance with industry regulations
Many industries are subject to various government and industry-specific regulations when it comes to data security, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Intrusion detection systems can help organizations meet these regulations by providing an extra layer of security to ensure that all data is protected from unauthorized access.
Intrusion detection systems play an important part in enhancing your cybersecurity defense strategy. To learn more about the importance of multilayered security, download our FREE eBook, Overcoming the Challenge of Cloud Security: Ways to Secure Your Data in the Cloud.