As the volume and complexity of cyber threats increase day by day, it has become critical for businesses to acquire not only detection capabilities but also proactive defense capabilities. In this context, the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) stands out as one of the cornerstones of modern network security.
In this article, we comprehensively cover IPS technology from the basics to advanced levels; examining how it works, what types of attacks it protects against, sector-specific use scenarios, and what to consider when choosing an IPS.
What is IPS?
The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a network security device that analyzes traffic occurring in a network and detects abnormal or harmful activities in real-time for intervention. IPS systems are typically positioned behind a firewall and prevent potential threats by deep packet inspection.
IPS systems generally perform four basic functions:
• Detection: Recognizing malicious activities and threat patterns
• Prevention: Automatically blocking detected threats
• Logging: Recording all events and retaining them for future analysis
• Alerting: Sending alerts to security managers
Types of IPS
IPS systems are categorized into different types based on their architectures and functions:
1. Network-based IPS (NIPS): Monitors network traffic at the network level. It is usually positioned at the gateway level.
2. Wireless IPS (WIPS): Analyzes threats in wireless networks and detects rogue access points.
3. Network Behavior Analysis (NBA): Operates with an anomaly-based detection mechanism. It analyzes abnormal behavior.
4. Host-based IPS (HIPS): Operates within a specific device (server, computer, etc.). It monitors threats at the application and system level.
IPS Detection Methods
The success of an IPS system depends on the threat detection methods it employs. These are:
• Signature-based Detection: Analyzes based on previously defined threat patterns (signatures). Its advantage is speed, but it is ineffective against unknown threats.
• Anomaly-based Detection: Learns the "normal" behaviors of the system and perceives deviations from these as threats. It is successful in capturing new threats.
• Stateful Protocol Analysis: Detects behaviors that violate protocol standards.
• Hybrid Approach: A combination of both signature and anomaly-based approaches. Most modern IPS solutions typically operate with this method.
Technical Advantages of IPS Systems
• Zero-day attack detection: Particularly with anomaly-based systems, previously unseen attacks can be detected.
• Automatic quarantine and IP blocking: Attacking IP addresses can be blocked instantly.
• Isolated traffic control: Threat-containing traffic can be rerouted to specified areas, minimizing damage.
• Integration of up-to-date threat intelligence: Modern IPS systems work in conjunction with Threat Intelligence databases.
Sectoral Use Scenarios
Financial Sector:
Banks and payment institutions typically use IPS systems to protect SWIFT, online banking, and ATM networks. HIPS systems are preferred to particularly block lateral movement attempts within the internal network.
Healthcare Sector:
To protect patient data, IPS systems are configured in compliance with regulations such as HIPAA. WIPS solutions are prominent for the security of IoT-based medical devices.
E-commerce Sites:
IPS systems work alongside web application firewalls (WAF) against credit card fraud, XSS, and SQL injection attacks.
Critical Infrastructures (Energy, Transport, Telecom):
Dedicated IPS solutions for SCADA systems recognize industrial protocols and protect control systems.
Things to Consider When Choosing IPS
• Performance and latency: Should not slow down network traffic.
• Update frequency: Frequent updates of the threat database are critically important.
• Logging and reporting capabilities: Necessary for detailed event analysis and compliance audits.
• Scalability: Should be scalable according to the growth of the business.
• Integration: Must work seamlessly with systems like SIEM, firewall, DLP, and WAF.
Manage IPS and Network Security Effectively with PlusClouds
PlusClouds provides scalable cloud infrastructure to organizations while also offering comprehensive security and managed IPS/IDS services:
• Dedicated Firewall: In Virtual Private Datacenter solutions, special firewalls that provide strict control over incoming and outgoing traffic are included.
• Security and Penetration Testing: Regular penetration tests are conducted to preemptively identify attack scenarios and assess your infrastructure.
• AI-Powered Anomaly Detection: Both IDS and IPS components can be supported with anomaly-based detection methods. PlusClouds' AI-powered solutions (e.g., Kolay.AI) can be integrated into this area.
This structure is designed to meet all critical IPS requirements such as real-time monitoring, automatic blocking, centralized monitoring, logging and reporting capability, threat tracking powered by artificial intelligence, and regulatory compliance.
Types of Attacks Blocked by IPS Systems
• SQL Injection
• Cross-site Scripting (XSS)
• Remote Code Execution (RCE)
• Buffer Overflow
• TCP SYN Flood and UDP Flood
• DNS Tunneling
• ICMP-Based Detection Evasion Techniques
• Credential Stuffing (password guessing attacks)
• Port scanning and reconnaissance attempts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I prefer IPS or IDS?
If you only need monitoring and alert capabilities, IDS may be sufficient. However, if active defense and automatic intervention are required, IPS should be preferred.
Is it safe to run an IPS system in the cloud?
Yes. Especially infrastructures like PlusClouds provide a flexible and secure structure by integrating cloud-based IPS systems into your virtual network.
Can IPS detect all threats?
No system can guarantee 100% security. However, a well-configured and up-to-date IPS system can prevent the vast majority of the most critical threats.
Will there be a false positive (false alarm) issue?
There is a possibility in anomaly-based systems. Therefore, IPS systems should be continuously calibrated and trained according to the institution's traffic.
Is the cost of IPS high?
In the long term, considering data breaches and operational disruptions, IPS serves as a low-cost insurance. These costs can be optimized with cloud-based IPS solutions.
Conclusion
IPS is not just a “nice to have” in today’s dynamic threat environment; it is an indispensable layer of security. Recognizing, assessing, and taking immediate action against threats are critical for the sustainability of your digital assets.
If you want to take your network security a step further, contact PlusClouds' expert team to secure your data with tailored IPS solutions.
