When it comes to protecting your network and data, an intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a key component of your security strategy. However, there are several myths surrounding IPS that can lead to confusion and misinformation. In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths about IPS.
While both IPS and firewalls are designed to protect your network, they operate differently. A firewall is a barrier that blocks unauthorized access to your network based on specific rules. On the other hand, IPS monitors your network for suspicious activity and prevents potential attacks in real-time. IPS uses a combination of signature-based and behavioral-based detection methods to identify and stop threats.
For instance, a firewall may block access to a known malicious IP address, while an IPS can detect and block a new type of attack that has not been previously identified.
Many people believe that IPS can slow down your network performance. While it is true that IPS can add some overhead to your network traffic, modern IPS solutions are designed to minimize any impact on network performance. IPS can actually improve network performance by reducing the amount of malicious traffic that reaches your network devices.
According to a study by the Ponemon Institute, IPS can improve network performance by up to 33% by reducing the amount of unwanted traffic.
Some people believe that IPS is only designed to protect against external threats, such as hackers and malware. However, IPS can also protect against internal threats, such as malicious insiders and compromised devices. IPS can monitor and block suspicious activity on your network, regardless of the source.
For example, if an employee tries to access sensitive data outside of their normal work hours, IPS can detect and block the activity, preventing a potential data breach.
Another common myth about IPS is that it is too expensive for small and mid-sized businesses. While it is true that IPS can be a significant investment, there are many affordable IPS solutions available on the market. Additionally, the cost of a data breach can be much higher than the cost of implementing an IPS solution.
According to a study by IBM, the average cost of a data breach is $3.86 million. Investing in an IPS solution can help prevent costly data breaches and protect your business.
By debunking these common myths about intrusion prevention systems, you can make informed decisions about your network security strategy. IPS is an essential component of any security plan, and it is important to understand its capabilities and limitations.
By understanding the truth about IPS, you can better protect your network and data from potential threats.