Intrusion detection system: what types are there

Maintaining security when browsing the Internet or using any device is very important. To achieve this, we can make use of many types of programs and services that protect devices and help us prevent the entry of malware. In this article we are going to explain what an intrusion detection system consists of and how it helps us to be protected, in addition to the different types that there are.

What is an intrusion detection system

An intrusion detection system, or also simply known as IDS , aims to prevent unwanted connections. Basically they are responsible for blocking the entry of intruders into a network or computer, alerting as soon as they detect that there is something strange and that we must be careful.

They are tools whose mission is to monitor network traffic and thus detect threats. It is constantly scanning the connections going into and out of a computer or a network, to detect any anomalies.

We can say that it is as if we had an alarm at home that detects movement and warns us of a possible intruder . A cybersecurity intrusion detection system is just that. As soon as it detects a possible intrusion, it gives the alarm signal and automatically blocks that connection, preventing that alleged intruder from entering the network.

They are designed to analyze different patterns of behavior . If an intruder carries out an improper action, something that raises suspicion, it is when it would be executed to block that connection. They have previously been configured to know how to recognize threats and authorize or not the connections.

They usually have a system to process and send the collected information. This management system usually alerts the network administrator to take action and avoid security problems that could harm other computers.

Intrusion detection system: what types are there

Why it is important to use this protection

So why is it important to use an intrusion detection system? It should be borne in mind that attackers constantly improve their techniques and update the methods they use to gain access to a network, steal information, passwords or simply sneak malware.

This means that we must take all possible measures , and in many cases it is not enough simply to have an antivirus that can detect the entry of viruses and malware or keep computers updated to correct vulnerabilities. Sometimes it is essential to have an intrusion detection system that acts permanently to alert us in the event of an intrusion attempt.

The main advantage is that you avoid having to take action after the violation has occurred. It saves us from having to suffer the consequences and having problems with some types of attacks that cannot be easily solved once they have started. For example, a possible intruder who enters a computer and steals vital company data.

These alert systems will prevent this from happening. Before the problem appears, you already inform those responsible so that they are prepared and can take action as soon as possible.

Different types of intrusion detection systems

An intrusion detection system is not unique. Today we can find different options, which can be adapted according to the needs of the users and what we have to protect. Let’s see which are the main ones.

Signature-based

The first option is intrusion detection systems that are based on signatures . In this case what they do is monitor all the packets on the network. They previously have a database with all the predefined signatures and thus detect possible threats.

We can say that in this case it works very similar to an antivirus. In that case they also have a database with the firms that they are comparing. In case something is within the threat list or is not recognized, they launch the alert.

Based on anomalies

The next type of intrusion detection system is one that is anomaly based. What they do is monitor network traffic and compare it with a base that they have previously established.

What does this mean? For example, they will analyze if the bandwidth used, the protocols or the ports are normal or on the contrary there is something that makes us suspect and alerts us that it could be a computer attack and we should take action.

NIDS

It is a network-based intrusion detection system. It is capable of detecting any attack on the entire segment. It is going to be in charge of examining all the components of the traffic to and from the devices, examining and verifying any type of strange signal that could consider an attack.

In case it detects that something does not add up, it will begin to investigate what it is and look for a solution to the problem. This will allow a network administrator to solve the incident quickly and thus prevent them from entering a computer, for example, and stealing the stored data.

HIDS

On the other hand there is the intrusion detection system known as HIDS . It is responsible for monitoring internal networks and computers that are connected to the Internet. Examine both individual networks and activities on endpoints.

But something remarkable about this system is that, beyond checking for external threats, it will also scan for internal threats . It does this by monitoring and scanning the data packets traveling to and from the endpoints to detect internally originating security threats.

In short, an intrusion detection system is one more option to protect networks against possible intruders. We have seen how it works, what are its main advantages and also what types of systems there are. The objective of all of them is to constantly analyze the network in search of possible threats that could damage the operation of a device or be the gateway to attacks on a network.