Classification of Intrusion Detection Systems
In the realm of cybersecurity, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are pivotal components designed for deployment across varied environments. Much like other cybersecurity solutions, IDS can be categorized as either host-based or network-based.
Host-Based IDS (HIDS): Positioned on specific endpoints, a Host-Based IDS safeguards against internal and external threats. Capable of monitoring network traffic to and from the host machine, observing running processes, and inspecting system logs, HIDS offers deep visibility into the internals of the host computer. However, its scope is limited to the host machine, thereby reducing the contextual information available for decision-making.
Network-Based IDS (NIDS): Contrary to HIDS, a Network-Based IDS is engineered to surveil an entire protected network. With visibility into all network traffic, NIDS analyzes packet metadata and contents to make determinations. Although offering a broader perspective and enhanced context for threat detection, NIDS lacks insight into the internals of protected endpoints.
Given the differing levels of visibility, deploying either a HIDS or NIDS in isolation may result in incomplete protection for an organization's system. Unified threat management solutions, integrating multiple technologies into a single system, offer more comprehensive security measures.
Detection Methods of IDS Deployment
Beyond deployment locations, IDS solutions also vary in how they identify potential intrusions:
Signature Detection: Signature-based IDS solutions employ fingerprints of known threats for identification. Upon identifying malware or malicious content, a signature is generated and added to the IDS's list for testing incoming content. While achieving a high threat detection rate with no false positives, signature-based IDS is limited to detecting known threats and blind to zero-day vulnerabilities.
Anomaly Detection: Anomaly-based IDS solutions construct models of the "normal" behavior of protected systems. Future behavior is compared to this model, with any anomalies labeled as potential threats and generating alerts. Although capable of detecting novel or zero-day threats, building an accurate model of "normal" behavior necessitates balancing false positives with false negatives.
Hybrid Detection: Hybrid IDS utilizes both signature-based and anomaly-based detection, enabling the detection of more potential attacks with a lower error rate than using either system in isolation.
IDS vs Firewalls
While both Intrusion Detection Systems and firewalls serve as cybersecurity solutions for endpoint or network protection, they diverge significantly in their purposes.
An IDS serves as a passive monitoring device, detecting potential threats and generating alerts for further investigation and response by security operations center (SOC) analysts or incident responders. It provides no direct protection to the endpoint or network. Conversely, a firewall acts as a protective system, analyzing network packet metadata and permitting or blocking traffic based on predefined rules, thus establishing a barrier against certain types of traffic or protocols.
Unlike an IDS, which is passive, a firewall operates actively to prevent unauthorized access, resembling more of an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS). An IPS actively blocks identified threats rather than solely raising alerts. Many next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) integrate IDS/IPS functionality to both enforce filtering rules and detect/respond to sophisticated cyber threats.
Selecting an IDS Solution
An IDS constitutes a valuable element of any organization's cybersecurity framework, providing an additional layer of defense against advanced threats that may evade simple firewall protections.
When selecting an IDS solution, careful consideration of the deployment scenario is imperative. While an IDS may be suitable for some situations, an integrated IPS may offer better protection in others. Utilizing an NGFW with built-in IDS/IPS functionality provides an integrated solution, streamlining threat detection and security management.
Check Point boasts extensive experience in developing IDS and IPS systems with high threat detection capabilities and minimal error rates, empowering SOC analysts and incident responders to identify genuine threats effectively. To witness our NGFWs in action, featuring integrated IDS/IPS functionality, request a demonstration or reach out with any inquiries. Additionally, explore preventive measures against attacks on IoT networks and devices in our webinar.
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