Network security is essential for modern businesses. And in a time where companies' information security is constantly under threat, organizations ought to look into the plethora of cybersecurity tools available to ensure that they have the security controls they need.
Intrusion detection systems (IDS) can empower your business to thwart network security threats proactively, granting you a stronger cybersecurity posture and more secure network systems. This article delves into the world of IDS to provide organizations with all the information they need to understand IDS and how it can positively impact their network.
What are intrusion detection systems (IDS)?
IDS is a network monitoring solution that looks for potential malicious activity and entities. Available as hardware and software, IDS alerts system users when anomalies are detected, allowing them to quickly locate and study the issue.
IDS's quick response is an asset to businesses, giving them the chance to respond to threats proactively, mitigate damages, and address cybercriminals before they can exploit vulnerabilities.
What are the different types of IDS?
Network intrusion detection systems (NIDS)
NIDS operates on a network level, effectively overseeing the entire network. While it offers a wider look at a network's traffic (thereby giving businesses a fuller picture of their network), it is somewhat restricted in its view of the inner workings of a company's endpoints-devices that connect authorized users to the network.
However, this allows it to run more efficiently while not negatively affecting the endpoints themselves.
Host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS)
A great way to secure a company's endpoints, HIDS safeguards a specific endpoint from external and internet network security threats. It does this by analyzing logs, overseeing traffic, and more. Unlike NIDS, HIDS' security capabilities are restricted to its host device. While this can give you a narrower view of your network's cybersecurity posture, it can provide you with in-depth insights into the health of your devices.
How intrusion detection systems work
To keep it simple, intrusion detection systems follow signature-based detection and anomaly-based detection.
Signature-based IDS stores data on known threats and uses this information to look for matches within the network packets, generating alerts when something is detected. While this method is highly effective at catching known threats, it can struggle with unfamiliar suspicious activity and weaknesses.
On the other hand, anomaly-based IDS establishes a baseline of normal network behavior-established processes that a company's network carries out every day. It uses this model as a guide to look for network security threats. Any deviations from the status quo are deemed suspicious and trigger an alert.
While anomaly-based IDS is useful for catching unknown threats, it does suffer from making false positives and negatives.
The benefits of using IDS
The need for secure network systems is going to become greater as businesses continue to operate into the future. In 2022, the US encountered "2.68 billion malware attacks". So, to ensure your organization has a healthy cybersecurity posture that can withstand all manner of threats, you ought to invest in IDS and leverage its benefits.
They include the following:
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Real-time alerts: IDS detects potential threats around the clock and takes immediate action when network security threats are picked up. This proactive approach can help minimize catastrophic security incidents.
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Insights into the business’s cybersecurity posture: IDS can help you pick up on trends or patterns that may indicate underlying security vulnerabilities. This information can then be used to create response strategies to deal with malicious software, hackers, and other threats.
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Holistic security: Multilayered security offers comprehensive protection. IDS adds another barrier to secure network systems, making it more difficult for threats to damage company resources.
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Enhanced system performance: IDS can pinpoint weaknesses within a network, bring your attention to them, and help you develop fixes to ensure a healthy system.
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Ensure compliance: Implementing IDS guarantees that your business is compliant with data security standards. Not only can this improve your cybersecurity measures, but it can also reduce the chances of your business having to pay fines.
Acquire secure network systems and a solid cybersecurity posture with a managed security service provider
Intrusion detection systems play an essential role in fortifying organizations against the ever-evolving landscape of sophisticated network security threats. The task of implementing and managing IDS, however, can be intricate and challenging.
Fortunately, BCS365 offers managed security services that can revolutionize your business's cybersecurity approach. By working with BCS365, you gain unparalleled access to a team of seasoned cybersecurity professionals who possess extensive knowledge and experience in the field. Their comprehensive IDS management services encompass everything from initial configurations and timely updates to continuous monitoring and rapid response.
By entrusting your IDS management to BCS365, you can rest assured that your network is safeguarded by cutting-edge solutions. Take proactive steps today and reach out to BCS365 to explore their latest IDS offerings, ensuring optimal security for your valuable assets.