Intrusion Detection vs Prevention – IDS vs IPS

An IDS (intrusion detection system) and an IPS (intrusion prevention system) are both security technologies that are used to protect computer networks from attacks. The main difference between the two is the way they respond to potential security threats.

An IDS is a passive security system that monitors network traffic and identifies suspicious activity, such as unusual patterns or known attack signatures. When an IDS detects a potential threat, it will alert the system administrator so that they can take appropriate action. However, the IDS itself does not block or prevent the threat.

On the other hand, an IPS is an active security system that not only detects potential threats, but also takes action to block or prevent them. An IPS monitors network traffic in real-time and automatically blocks any suspicious activity that it identifies. This means that an IPS can help protect a network from attacks even before they happen.

Overall, the main difference between an IDS and an IPS is that an IDS is a passive system that only alerts the administrator to potential threats, while an IPS is an active system that can take action to prevent attacks.