The network is an important part of our life it has played a very significant role to keep and securing data across the world.
These days people use data and networks to make connections across the world they even share their details and account information, so there is always a threat to this information.
The IT Companies have developed software to ensure the safety and security of the data. The IPS and IDP are the two software that is used for this concept they both have different benefits and uses across the network.
Key Takeaways
- IDS, or Intrusion Detection System, monitors network traffic for potential threats and alerts administrators, while IPS, or Intrusion Prevention System, actively blocks those threats.
- IDS is a passive security solution that provides visibility into network activity, whereas IPS is an active solution that takes action against malicious traffic.
- IPS can cause a slight decrease in network performance due to its active nature, while IDS does not impact network speed.
IDS vs IPS
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a security solution that monitors network traffic to detect malicious activities and suspicious behaviour and signs of potential attacks. An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a security solution that not only detects but also actively blocks malicious traffic.
The IDS stands for Intrusion Detection Systems. The IDS were launched between 1984 and 1986. The IDS is the network software available on the gateway.
The software detects all the files that pass through the gateway. If any files received through the gateway containing any malware are detected. The IDS report and alter the system to take action.
The IPS stands for Intrusion Prevention Systems. The IPS was launched around the mid-2000s. The IPS are the network software that detects the files that are passing mid-2000.
The files that are passed through the gateway are checked for malware. If, in any case, the malware is detected that it is solved according to the ruleset that is inserted within the IPS program.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | IDS | IPS |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | Intrusion Detection Systems. | Intrusion Prevention Systems. |
| Launched on | The IDS was launched between 1984 to 1986. | The IPS was launched in the mid-2000s. |
| Definition | The IDS is the system that detects the files passing through the gateway for any malware. | The IPS are the software that detects and even solves the malware detected according to the ruleset provided. |
| Type | The IDS is a passive type of software. | The IPS is active software. |
| Working | The IDS working involves the detection and notifies of the malware and errors. | The IPS doesn’t require the involvement of humans or other software as it solves the problem on its own. |
| Performance | The IDS doesn’t affect the performance of the network. | The IPS slow down the network because of the detection process. |
| Communication | The communication of the IDS is out of the band. | The IDS involves inline communication. |
| Advantage | The IDS doesn’t interfere in the working of the network thus, has no influence and problems by the IDS. | The IDS have advantages as they automatically update the errors without including the other software. |
What is IDS?
The IDS was the software launched between 1984 to 1986. The IDS stands for Intrusion Detection Systems. The IDS, as the name suggests it detects the network.
The IDS detects the files that are passed through the gateway. Malware detection is done as the files pass through the software. While the software only provides information regarding the malware.
The IDS works out of the band communication. Thus, it doesn’t interact directly with the makers. Whereas the IDS are the software that requires human interaction.
Human interaction means that the software detects the malware and notifies about the malware. The rest part of encountering the malware is either up to the humans or by using any other software.
The IDS is the software that works on malware detection and corrects it. Thus, the IDS is an indirect connection in the network. This is the reason that the IDS does not include any of the traffic blocking.
Hence not interfering with the network and slowing down the speed within a network.
What is IPS?
The IPS was the software launched around mod 2000. The full form is Intrusion Prevention Systems. The IPS is the software that prevents any malware from entering the network.
While it is the reason that the software has a different set of casing that ensures that the files which are commanded over the coding are not allowed to pass via the network gateway, they are higher security software.
The IPS has inline communication within the network, therefore, upon activating the IPS. The software becomes a part of the network. Detecting any malware listed in the coding passes via the gateway.
Instead of just detecting the malware, the software also shows an action. The action includes modifying or blocking the files from passing through the gateway.
The IPS works on detecting and solving the malware issue within the network. Therefore, they are directly involved with the network.
The direct involvement of the software affects the speed of the network as the scanning time of the files and solving the issue adds to the time. It also locks the traffic entering the network, which may affect either the load on the servers or are not secure.
Main Differences Between IDS and IPS
- The IDS stands for Intrusion Detection Systems, and IPS stands for Intrusion Prevention Systems.
- The IDS was launched between 1984 to 1986, and IPS was introduced around mid-2000.
- The IDS only detects while the IPS even takes action in regard to the malware IDS requires human detection on the other hand, the IPS shows automatical action.
- The IPS is found more beneficial to the organizations as compared to the IDS.
- The IDS does not interfere with the network, while the IPS affects the network.
- The speed of the network slows down with the IPS on the other hand, and the IDS does not affect the speed of the network.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/4110291/
- http://www.f-net.co.kr/toplayer/upload/tech/attach/2/1/NIDS_Vulnetabilities.pdf
Last Updated : 21 June, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
This is a great and comprehensive article, very informative. I learned a lot more about network security from it.
The comparison between IDS and IPS is so interesting, their differences and benefits are made very clear through this article.
The network has become a way to connect with the world, putting our personal information at risk The use of software to keep it secure is very important, especially software IPS and IDP that have different benefits.
Honestly, I have some doubts about the efficacy of these security measures provided by the IT companies
The benefits of using software like IDS and IPS are tremendous, making the network more secure to work with. What more can we ask for?
I am not sure if the implementation of these software would slow down the network, that is a bit concerning.
Interesting, the difference between IDS and IPS is clearer now. I see the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The network security is a critical aspect that I believe every company should invest in. Having a clear understanding of the importance of IDS and IPS is crucial.
The effectiveness of IDS and IPS in preventing and detecting cyber threats is absolutely paramount. The slow down in network speed with IPS should, however, be taken into consideration.