Guide: Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

The title of the guide is Intrusion Prevention System (IPS).
What is IPS?
IPS is a network security/threat prevention technology that examines network traffic flows to detect and prevent vulnerability exploits which are malicious intents to attack a system and make them unavailable.
Why is it Important?
IPS is crucial as it detects and prevents attacks, allowing the network to operate smoothly. It also records information about intrusion attempts which can be used for future forensics. It’s a proactive security solution which ensures the safety of the network in real time.
How Does IPS Work?
IPS works by scanning the whole network traffic, using a database of known vulnerability exploits, which includes invalid data packets, or well defined exploit attempts. When it detects a potential exploit, the IPS takes necessary steps to prevent it from damaging the network system.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
IPS questions typically become more manageble with a good grasp of the basic-concepts. Know the difference between IPS and IDS (Intrusion Detection System), focus on understanding the types of prevention methods it uses, and how IPS handles threats. It might also be helpful to understand how IPS fits into the wider context of network security and firewall systems.
Example Question: How does an IPS differ from an IDS?
Example Answer: An IPS actively prevents/block attacks whereas an IDS only detects and alerts.