What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

What is the difference between IDS and IPS?

IDS stands for Intrusion Detection System, while IPS stands for Intrusion Prevention System. IDS monitors network traffic for suspicious activity and alerts administrators, whereas IPS actively blocks or prevents those threats.

Can you give me examples of each?

Sure! An example of an IDS is Snort, which analyzes traffic and sends alerts. An example of an IPS is Cisco's Firepower, which can block malicious traffic in real-time.

Which one is more important for network security?

Both are important, but an IPS is often considered more critical because it not only detects threats but also takes action to prevent them.

Are there any downsides to using an IPS?

Yes, IPS can sometimes block legitimate traffic if it's misconfigured, leading to false positives. It's essential to fine-tune the settings.