If you are an enterprise which does not have a comprehensive
IT security compliance program in place, and in particular information security, you are at very high risk! While implementing an effective security system can be very time consuming and highly expensive, it can certainly add to your bottom line, and more importantly ensure that you still have a business! So if you think your firewall applications are good enough to protect you from external and internal security threats, you are drastically mistaken.
Hackers can easily break through your firewalls, change your systems discreetly and leave undetected. Also, planting a Trojan to gather sensitive data from your systems can be a cakewalk for cyber criminals who use sophisticated technology for security attacks. And your antivirus software, your firewalls, and stringent access controls can do nothing to prevent this. That is precisely why you require an effective
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) which can help by providing complete security to your enterprise.
So What Does IDS Actually Do?
An Intrusion Detection System can help detect intruders including unexpected, unwanted or unauthorized people or programs on your computer network. It can therefore protect your systems from unpredictable virus storms or security threats posed by malicious hackers. An ideal Intrusion Detection System should therefore:
Not just monitor system activities, but also analyze users as well as system activities
Scrutinize configurations and susceptibilities of various systems
Constantly review system and file integrity
Issue alarms/alerts in case of security attacks
Actively collect evidence about suspicious activities
Automatically launch back-traces
Recognize molds/methods of classic attacks
Look out for irregular activity
Follow strictly for any policy violations by users
Types of Intrusion Detection Systems
There are different types of Intrusion Detection Systems that you can employ depending on your enterprise requirements:
Application based detection
Host based detection
Network IDS
Abnormality based detection
However, before you choose your IDS, ensure that a detailed risk assessment of your enterprise and its systems has been performed. This can help identify your weaknesses and strengths. Also, carrying out a cost-benefit analysis can immensely help in choosing the right detection solutions for your enterprise. Likewise, with an appropriate Intrusion prevention system you can provide a completely secure environment for your business to function in.
