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IDS/IPS key features


3 key features to look for an in a Managed IDS/IPS Solution

First, what is IDS/IPS and why is it important? IDS stands for Intrusion Detection System and IPS stands for Intrusion Protection Systems. These systems work in conjunction with one another in order to ensure that network threats are prevented and managed effectively.

In order to make the right decision about which IDS/IPS solution you should go for, take a look at the top features that your solution should have.

  1. Ability to carry out detailed analysis
    An essential quality of an effective IDS/IPS solution is the ability to understand network data and carry out detailed analysis. This may include pattern matching and behavior analysis in order to detect suspicious behavior.

    Pattern matching will involve understanding the known threats to the network and being able to analyze the network quickly to protect it from those threats. Behavior-based analysis will involve comparing the behavior of the network traffic against what is normal in order to pick out anomalies in behavior and flag them to administrators. Once this analysis has occurred, the service will be able to flag any suspicious activity.

  2. Ability to act quickly
    This is more the role of the IPS, which has to act once the event is known. You will need an IDS/IPS solution that can expose IP addresses, track employee email accounts and block threats to the network where appropriate. It’s important to know how quickly your network will be protected and how regularly the IDS/IPS system will be acting. A good IDS/IPS service will be 24/7, 365 days a year as a cyber attack can occur at any time.

    The IDS/IPS solution will also need to be able to create a whitelist of countries, IP addresses and organizations that are expected to be interacting with the network and compile a list of those which are not. This allows the IPS service to act quickly, whether that’s in referring the traffic on or blocking it.

  3. Ability for both IDS and IPS to work together
    The best IDS/IPS service you will find is one in which the systems interact in order to offer you full service protection. An independent IDS only monitors traffic, meaning that it will be able to flag an attack but it will be up to the administrator to take that further and investigate. Sometimes this isn’t effective, as with large scale data breaches, immediate action is often needed to protect the rest of the network.

    That’s why having IDS and IPS systems that work in conjunction is something to look out for. When looking for an IDS/IPS solution, look for something that utilizes the strengths of both services and is able to pair them to work together as a team.

To find the ideal IDS/IPS solution for your business, take a look at our fully managed MAXX IDS/IPS service. With around-the-clock expert monitoring, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your network is secure.




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