What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and how does it differ from a firewall?

1 Answers
Answered by suresh

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a security tool designed to monitor network or system activities for malicious activities or policy violations. It analyzes traffic patterns, system logs, and other data to identify potential security threats.

The main difference between an IDS and a firewall is that a firewall acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of security rules. On the other hand, an IDS is focused on monitoring and detecting suspicious activities within the network or system, such as unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, or abnormal behavior.

In summary, while a firewall serves as a gatekeeper for network traffic, an Intrusion Detection System is a detective tool that can help identify potential threats and security breaches within the network. Both are essential components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect against cyber threats.

Answer for Question: What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and how does it differ from a firewall?