Intrusion Detection Systems

Definition

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are security tools designed to detect unauthorized access attempts or suspicious activities within computer networks or systems.

Analogy

Think of an IDS as a burglar alarm system for your house. It constantly monitors for any signs of break-ins or unusual activity, alerting you when there is a potential security breach.

Related terms

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): An advanced version of IDS that not only detects but also actively blocks and prevents unauthorized access or malicious activities.

Signature-based Detection: A method used by IDS to compare network traffic against known patterns or signatures of known attacks, helping identify and alert about potential threats.

Anomaly-based Detection: A technique used by IDS to establish a baseline of normal behavior within a network and then detect any deviations from that baseline, which may indicate suspicious activities.