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A basic way to define IDS is to say that it is a robust security mechanism designed to monitor and analyze network or system activities in real-time. Its key function is to alert if it detects anomalies that may indicate unauthorized access or malicious behavior.

The simplest answer to the question “What is an IPS?” is that it is an intrusion prevention system. A more complete answer to the question “What is an IPS” is that it is a system for monitoring network traffic and taking defensive action if it detects a threat.

Often, when people ask “What is an IDS?”, they actually mean “What role does an IDS play in the overall network security ecosystem?” That being so, here is an overview of how an IDS connects and cooperates with other key network security tools.

Just answering the question “What does IPS stand for?” only provides a very high-level understanding of IPS. IPS systems can actually be subdivided into further types. Here is a quick overview of the main categories of IPS.

IDS security is basically the digital equivalent of real-world intrusion detection security. Just like its real-world counterparts, an IDS monitors for signs of suspicious activity. If it detects any, it raises an alert. It is then the job of other security tools and/or human agents to decide what action, if any, to take.

An IDS system monitors network traffic for signs of concerning behavior. When it detects potential warning signals, it raises an alert. This alert can go to another security tool and/or a human administrator.

This means that practically speaking, compliance requirements may strongly point to IDS/IPS without it actually being explicitly specified. Also, compliance requirements are generally updated periodically. This means that the bias towards IDS/IPS may change over time (and possibly even change back again).

Ultimately, your choice of IDS vs IPS boils down to your priorities. If your top priority is to maximize business continuity, then IDS is the better choice. If your top priority is to minimize the risk of a successful attack, then IPS is the better choice.

To cover the basics of IDS, IPS, IDS stands for Intrusion Detection System while IPS stands for Intrusion Prevention System. Both IDS and IPS monitor network traffic for signs of concerning activity.