Networks have existed for a long time and have been a boon in bringing people and the world closer together. In response to intrusion, the concept of intrusion detection emerged. Firewalls and anti-malware software are insufficient to protect an entire network from an attack. An intrusion detection system (IDS) that detects suspicious traffic after it passes through the firewall and enters the network is also part of a well-rounded security strategy for any kind of business, be it an IT or software solutions company.
Good network security entails both everything that might possibly harm the systems of your business and everything that works to ward off such dangers. A business cannot rely on a single line of defense. More methods are required to foolproof your network, and COMnet offers the best IT solutions to help you transform your IT infrastructure with specialized cloud, EDR solutions, security, professional, and managed technological services. Also, to know what an EDR solution is, know more about the cloud solutions/ multi-cloud technology check the other informational blogs by COMnet.
What is the Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS)?
A network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS) monitors and analyzes network traffic in order to protect a system from network-based threats. A NIDS interprets all inbound packets and scans the network security system for any suspicious patterns. When threats are discovered, the system takes action, such as notifying administrators or blocking the source IP address from accessing the network, based on their severity. This network firewall security technology was originally designed to detect exploits against a specific application or computer..
To ensure that an IDS does not slow down connection speeds, these solutions frequently use a switched port analyzer (SPAN) or test-access port (TAP) to analyze a copy of the inline data traffic. However, unlike intrusion prevention systems, they do not block threats once they enter the network.
Regardless of whether a physical device or an NIDS program is configured, the system can:
- Recognize intrusion attempts in network traffic.
- Keep track of user behavior.
- Recognize unusual traffic patterns.
- Ensure that user and system activity does not violate security policies.
How Does the Network Intrusion Detection Systems Work?
Network traffic from all devices is tracked by an NIDS. Behind a network firewall’s security, the system functions as a secondary filter for malicious packets and mainly scans for two suspicious indicators:
- Identities of known attacks.
- Disruptions in regular activity.
In order to identify threats, an intrusion detection system An IDS can use this method to compare network packets to a database of known cyberattack signatures. When an IDS detects an anomaly, the system flags the problem and sounds the alarm. The alert could be as directly as a note in an audit log or as urgent as a message to an IT administrator. The team then investigates the issue and determines its primary cause.
Benefits of network intrusion detection systems
- They can be customized for certain network packet content
A NIDS can be set to display the precise content within the packets, in addition to the ports and IP addresses that are utilized between two hosts, which a firewall may be able to display. To detect intrusions such as exploitation attacks or compromised endpoint devices that are part of a botnet.
- Attacks can be classified and counted
The quantity and kind of assaults are analyzed by an IDS. You may modify your security systems or put new, more efficient controls in place using this knowledge. It may also be examined to detect errors or problems with network device settings. The measurements can then be used for future risk evaluations.
- They facilitate compliance with regulation
IDSs make it simpler to adhere to security laws since they provide you more visibility across your network. Your IDS logs can also be included in the documentation to satisfy certain standards.
- They help to boost efficiency
IDS sensors can identify network hosts and devices, which allows them to examine the data included in network packets and recognize the services or operating systems being used. Compared to doing it manually, this saves a ton of time. Further lowering labor, an IDS can automate hardware inventory. The cost of installing the IDS may be covered by efficiencies, which can also lower personnel expenses for a company.
However, using the network intrusion detection system has several drawbacks:
- Expensive to set up initially
- If a NIDS system is required to monitor a large or active network, it may have low accuracy and the occurrence of an undetected breach.
- Threat detection in encrypted traffic can be challenging.
- Typically, it is not the best match for switch-based networks.
How to Use a Network Intrusion Detection System Effectively?
To guarantee that these solutions offer the protection you seek, follow these steps:
- Obtain a risk assessment. Many businesses use IDS/IPS only to mark the compliance box. To truly understand your company’s risk, however, you need to do a thorough information security risk assessment. Additionally, even with IDS and IPS in place, you could not be compliant with regulations like HIPAA, PCI, FISMA, etc. because they all call for risk assessments.
- Include EDR (endpoint detection and response). Since many of your users now operate remotely, your company’s firewall is never breached by their activity. EDR, which incorporates active detection and reaction into each workstation, offers a solution. Workstations, IoT devices, BYOD concerns, and more are all protected by a comprehensive managed Extended Detection and Response (XDR) system.
- Use XDR to enhance IDS/IPS performance. You may identify and correct mistuned IDS/IPS, antivirus, and other technologies with the help of the thorough information and correlation given by XDR.
A strong infrastructure lowers operational costs, boosts output, and protects critical data from hackers. Network intrusion detection systems can reduce the effects of a cyberattack and let you resume operations as soon as possible, even if no security measure can prevent 100% of attack attempts.
