Intrusion Prevention Systems

How they protect business dataData and network security are always at the top of mind for business leaders and one of the best programs any organization can employ is an Intrusion Prevention System or IPS. ORAM Corporate Advisors recommends them to all of our clients as they provide network security that supports data protection and breach prevention. Here’s a look at IPS and how they protect your most valuable business data.What IPS DoesAs mentioned above, an IPS is a network security system. It works by continuously monitoring your network in real-time to detect and prevent known threats. An IPS scans your business systems in search of malicious incidents and captures information about them to share with your system administrators. With warnings about possible or impending attacks, system administrators can take preventative measures such as configuring firewalls and closing access points to fend off future attacks.Intrusion prevention systems can also control access to your network, protecting it from attacks and insider threats. With IPS scanning, there is a long list of attacks that can be prevented including:

• Viruses, Malware, and Worms
• Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks
• Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
• Various Types of System Exploits

Furthermore, IPS software can help identify holes in your company’s security policies so the proper adjustments can be made to address them. Such solutions also deter network guests and employees from violating company internet technology (IT) policies. Another reason IPS technology is so imperative is that attacks are becoming more sophisticated so can often get past other security solutionsHow IPS WorksIf an IPS detects malicious activity, it can block bad IP addresses and user accounts from accessing your business applications. It also ends transmission control protocols that have been exploited to further protect your network and data. It can also adjust firewalls to prevent future attacks similar to what it has already identified within your systems. Finally, IPS software can remove or replace malicious content remaining on your network post-attack should one occur. This is accomplished through repackaging payloads and removing infected attachments from files and servers as well as header information.Intrusion prevention systems can be configured to protect your business in a combination of ways such as:

• Policy-Based Approach: Administrators configure your IPS based on your business’s security policies and network infrastructure. When the IPS detects activity that violates a security policy, it triggers an alert that is sent directly to your system administrator.
• Signature-Based Approach: This is when the IPS uses the signature of predefined, well-known threats and patterns to trigger a reaction to stop malicious activity from damaging your network or threatening data.
• Anomaly-Based Approach: An anomaly-based approach monitors your network for abnormal activity. When odd behavior is detected in your systems, access is immediately blocked to the target host to prevent an intrusion or damage.

Recommended IPSThere are several IPS software programs that ORAM Corporate Advisors recommends to clients that have terrific ratings. Some of them include:

• Palo Alto Networks- Offers continuously updated threat protection and also block harmful sites.
• McAfee Network Security Platform (NSP)- Protects against ransomware, bots, DDoS attacks, and other malicious intrusions.
• SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM)- Provides a user-friendly interface with more than 700 built-in rules for events correlation and runs on Windows. Host and network data is collected for analysis and it supports Windows, MacOS, and *nix log files.

For more information about IPS software, data protection, or network security, contact ORAM Corporate Advisors now at (617) 933-5060. The initial consultation is free and there’s no obligation.