Network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS) and network-based intrusion prevention system (NIPS) are security solutions used to detect and prevent security threats and attacks on a network. These systems work by monitoring network traffic and analyzing it for potential security threats.
There are several types of NIDS/NIPS:
Signature-based: This type of NID/NIPS uses a database of known threat signatures to identify potential attacks. It compares the network traffic to these known signatures and alerts administrators if a match is found.
Heuristic/behavior-based: This type of NID/NIPS analyzes the behavior of network traffic to identify potential threats. It looks for unusual or suspicious activity, such as large amounts of data being transferred or a sudden spike in network traffic.
Anomaly-based: This type of NID/NIPS identifies potential threats by detecting deviations from normal network behavior. It analyzes network traffic patterns over time and identifies any changes that deviate from normal activity.
Inline vs. passive: Inline NID/NIPS are integrated into the network and actively monitor traffic in real-time, while passive NID/NIPS simply monitor network traffic and report potential threats to administrators for manual investigation.
HSM
A hardware security module (HSM) is a dedicated cryptographic device that can securely store and manage cryptographic keys, certificates, and other sensitive information. An HSM can be used for a variety of purposes, including encryption, digital signatures, and secure key management.
Sensors are devices that are used to gather information from the network and analyze it for potential security threats. Sensors can be placed in various locations throughout the network, such as at the perimeter, within the network, or on endpoints.
Collectors are devices or software applications that collect log data from various sources and centralize it for analysis. Collectors can be used to gather data from network devices, servers, and other security devices, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to provide a centralized view of network activity and identify potential security threats.
Firewall technologies
A firewall is a security system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewall technologies come in a variety of forms including web application firewalls (WAFs), next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), stateful firewalls, stateless firewalls, and unified threat management (UTM) solutions.
Web application firewalls (WAFs) are designed to protect web applications from various security threats such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other types of attacks. They operate by analyzing incoming HTTP traffic and blocking requests that contain malicious payloads.
Next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) are a more advanced form of firewall that combine traditional firewall functionality with additional security features such as intrusion prevention, content filtering, and deep packet inspection.
Stateful firewalls maintain a record of active network connections and only allow incoming traffic that is part of an established connection. Stateless firewalls, on the other hand, make decisions about incoming traffic based solely on the packet header information.
Unified threat management (UTM) solutions are all-in-one security appliances that provide multiple security functions, including firewalling, intrusion prevention, and content filtering.
Firewalls can be deployed in hardware, software, or virtual form. Hardware firewalls are dedicated appliances that provide network security functions. Software firewalls are installed on individual host systems and protect the host from incoming network traffic. Virtual firewalls are deployed in virtualized environments and provide security functions for virtualized networks.
Open-source and proprietary firewalls are also available. Open-source firewalls are free to use and typically offer a wider range of customization options compared to proprietary firewalls. Proprietary firewalls are commercial products that offer a more user-friendly interface and typically have better support options.
