IPS vs. IDPS- Differences in features and costs
IPS is the abbreviation for Intrusion Prevention System, and IDPS is the abbreviation for the Intrusion Detection Prevention System. Both operate in an almost similar manner and also implemented in a similar way within a business setting. The purpose of IPS is to prevent the attacks that might become a threat to network security while the purpose of IDPS is to detect the malicious threats. Although detection is the first step of all intrusion systems, IPS and IDPS differs based on their characteristics and demand in the IT market. Therefore, cost differences also exist.
Characteristics of the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
The main purposes of IPS have been outlined below-
- Identification of suspicious activities
- Security events logging
- Constant attempts to reduce damage and block intrusions
- Reporting the number of intrusions every time
Moreover, IPS can be divided into Network-based IPS and Network Behavior Analysis (NBA). The former covers the events that occur on the network, and the detection system is signature-based. On the other hand, the NBA operates using anomalies. It also offers network-wide coverage. Hence, the IPS is capable of automating various security responses. As soon as a risk is detected, it can be prevented using an effective preventive tool. The preventive tool can slow down damages and ensure the overall protection of the network (Stiawan, Idris & Abdullah, 2011). Experts opine that all IPS can be considered as a subset of IDPS. However, differences exist because IPS has the potential to go one step further and stop the attack after detecting it. It is also capable of stopping the future attacks. After detecting the attack, the IPS can surely reject the data packets and command the firewall. It can be host-based or even network-based and has been designed to operate on anomaly as well as on a signature basis.
Cost differences- IPS vs. IDPS
A typical IPS might cost approximately $1091/year, while a typical IDPS might be available at $3000-$5000.
Reasons behind cost differences
One of the primary reasons behind the cost difference is that IPS can be regarded as a control system while IDPS can be regarded as a monitoring system. IPS is inline, while IDPS cannot operate inline. It implies that traffic flows through IPS, however, it does not flow through IDPS. Research suggests that IPS dominates over IDPS because it is capable of preventing or stopping malicious threats (Abdelkarim & Nasereddin, 2011). However, the price of a typical IDPS is more because it can automate processes. SolarWinds, one of the IDPS tool is effective enough in detecting threats and providing regular updates. Better versions of IDPS offers real-time solutions and automated analysis are also provided effectively (Sung & Mukkamala, 2003). However, it is often accused of giving “false alarms” in the form of false positives. Hence, the usefulness of IDPS reduces in that case. Each time an alert is not enough, nevertheless, the necessity of an alert system cannot be ignored. Similarly, a well-calibrated response offered by IPS tools is irreplaceable and therefore, both IPS and IDPS are significant systems that ensure system security.
References
Abdelkarim, A. A., & Nasereddin, H. H. (2011). Intrusion prevention system. International Journal of Academic Research, 3(1), 201.
Stiawan, D., Idris, M., & Abdullah, A. H. (2011). Characterizing network intrusion prevention system. International Journal of Computer Applications, 14(1), 11-18.
Sung, A. H., & Mukkamala, S. (2003, January). Identifying important features for intrusion detection using support vector machines and neural networks. In 2003 Symposium on Applications and the Internet, 2003. Proceedings. (pp. 209-216). IEEE.
