Glossary definition: Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Securing Your Network: Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are a type of network security technology that are designed to detect and prevent malicious activity on a network. IPS systems monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and can be configured to block or alert administrators of malicious activity. IPS systems can detect and stop a variety of network threats, including malware, worms, viruses, and unauthorized access attempts. They can also detect and stop malicious activities such as port scans, buffer overflows, and denial of service attacks. IPS systems can be deployed in either a passive or active mode, depending on the desired level of security. In passive mode, the IPS system monitors network traffic and takes no action, while in active mode, the IPS system can be configured to immediately block or alert administrators of suspicious activity. IPS systems can be deployed in either a hardware or software form, and are often used in conjunction with other security solutions such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.