An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) are both security technologies designed to protect networks and systems from cyber threats, but they operate differently:
Intrusion Detection System (IDS):
- Function: An IDS monitors network or system activities for malicious activities or policy violations.
- Mode of Operation: It is typically passive, meaning it only detects and alerts on suspicious activities but does not take any direct action to prevent them.
- Examples: Network-based IDS (NIDS) monitors network traffic, while host-based IDS (HIDS) focuses on individual systems.
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS):
- Function: An IPS not only detects malicious activities but also takes proactive actions to block or mitigate them in real-time.
- Mode of Operation: It is active, meaning it can intervene to stop attacks before they cause damage.
- Examples: Network-based IPS (NIPS) can drop malicious packets, reset connections, or block traffic from specific IP addresses.
Key Difference:
- IDS is primarily for monitoring and alerting, whereas IPS is for both detection and prevention.
For instance, if an IDS detects a potential SQL injection attack, it would log the event and notify security personnel. In contrast, an IPS would detect the same attack and could automatically block the malicious traffic to prevent any damage.
In the context of cloud security, services like Tencent Cloud's Cloud Security Center offer integrated security solutions that include both IDS and IPS capabilities to provide comprehensive protection against various cyber threats.