What Is an IPS / IDS? Intrusion Detection and Prevention

IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) and IDS (Intrusion Detection System) detect or block network attacks in real time. IDS provides passive detection only, while IPS blocks threats inline. Both are integrated into modern NGFWs and use signatures, behavioral analysis, and ML.

IDS vs. IPS

• IDS: monitors traffic through a SPAN port or network tap, detects threats, and generates alerts without blocking them
• IPS: operates inline with traffic and blocks attacks in real time
• IPS is the modern evolution and is integrated into NGFWs
• IDS is still used for forensics and investigations

Detection Techniques

• Signature-based: database of known signatures (Snort rules, Suricata)
• Anomaly-based: detects deviations from an established baseline
• Stateful protocol analysis
• ML/AI (2023+): behavioral patterns
• Threat intelligence feeds: malicious IPs and URLs

Leading Solutions

• Palo Alto Networks IPS: integrated into Threat Prevention
• Cisco Firepower with Snort 3
• Fortinet FortiGate IPS
• ANSSI-certified Stormshield IPS
• Snort/Suricata: open source

Typical Coverage

• Known OS/application exploits (CVE)
• Malware C2 callbacks
• Brute-force attacks
• Basic DDoS attacks
• Web application attacks (SQLi, XSS)
• Lateral movement (Mimikatz, PowerShell)

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