Getting your business into the spotlight is exciting, but it also comes with risks. Cyberattacks are becoming smarter and more complex. This means that good security, like intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), is essential.
If applied right, the technology behind IDS and IPS solutions can protect your computers and whole network. Here are nine top systems on the market today. Decide the level of security your business needs and choose the best product for the job.
Difference Between Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems
An intrusion detection system flags up suspicious internal and external activity, mainly in your devices. A prevention system spots threats across your whole network and tackles them, offering more robust cybersecurity than a firewall too.
That said, IPS technology evolved from IDS, so they’re closely linked. Today, the two categories have joined forces to varying degrees of success.
For example, an intrusion detection system still focuses on hub activity, while also offering prevention tools. In the same way, an IPS can pay attention to individual computers as much as the network.
Their functions are complex and tricky to manage if you don’t understand them. So, before you invest in anything, it’s a good idea to learn how host and network-based detection systems work, for example, or what Cloud and AI technologies add to the mix.
1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager
As a leading cybersecurity brand, SolarWinds Security Event Manager is reliable and easy to use. Technically, the software is called Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), but it contains familiar detection and prevention functions.
In terms of its one-off and subscription-based pricing, the cost depends on various factors, from number of hubs to unique needs. Your quote will be flexible, however, and you get 30-day trials of its different features.
SolarWinds Security Event Manager collects data from your devices, creates detailed logs and reports, constantly learns how to detect new and common threats, and instantly acts or alerts you when something goes wrong.
Based on the rules you set, it can also block IP addresses and USBs, disable accounts and apps, respond to protocol violations, and more. Carefully customizing and maintaining the system can make it one of your strongest allies.
2. Blumira Automated Detection & Response
Another high-end SIEM option to check out is Blumira. Its detection and prevention features are also based on data, logs, and customizable settings. The difference mainly lies in its smoother automation and user-friendliness.
The annual rate is $144 per user, so the overall cost depends on the size of your business. Nonetheless, you can look forward to an easy setup and dashboard, as well as smart and efficient monitoring and response tools.
For example, Blumira excels in prioritizing alerts, reducing false positives, and integrating well with team members and other software. All-in-all, you get fast and clean-cut security, whether you need insightful reports or a watchdog protecting your business 24/7.
3. AT&T AlienVault USM
AlienVault Unified Security Management is all about intrusion detection for both hubs and networks, even within advanced cloud systems. As a high-end solution you’ll get your money’s worth of great tools to keep you safe and up to date on your threat levels.
AlienVault follows the same tracking, alerting, and responding principles as any other detection system. The difference is that it’s powerful, intelligent, and still adaptable to the workflows and needs of different businesses.
If you want a program that can tackle volumes of data and constantly evolving threats as fast as it can alert and advise you on the best course of action, AlienVault is a good choice.
4. OSSEC
If you'd rather not spend a fortune but still want good cyber security, consider OSSEC. It’s a highly respected, open source, and free hub-based intrusion detection system with extensions on offer to boost your defenses.
At its core, OSSEC gathers and analyzes data from all its designated devices, searching for cyberattacks, breaches in protocol, and more in real-time. It’s no less able to catch internal and external problems to your security than superior software.
You can fine-tune its alert settings for faster troubleshooting or upgrade to Atomic Enterprise OSSEC. The latter comes at a cost, depending on your business and the measures it needs.
Then you’ll have the same range of prevention tools as SolarWinds and Blumira, including access to 5,000+ rules, global threat intelligence, advanced encryption, and a well-rounded management system.
5. McAfee NSP
Some businesses go straight for intrusion prevention systems. They can be more expensive, but only because they’re more efficient. McAfee’s Network Security Platform is one of the best.
Data is essential here too, but collection and analysis are much faster and smarter. McAfee NSP scans traffic moving in and out of your network, searching for threatening signatures—patterns of known attack methods.
You could also be dealing with completely new threats that lack distinctive signs. McAfee designed its software to catch these too, as long as it knows what to look for. You can enhance its intuition further with extra careful rules.
Every problem can trigger a different response, from blocking the intruder to killing the application they accessed. No matter how complex your business is, you get constant and proactive cyber security, as well as in-depth reports so you can boost security, enforce protocols, and so on.
6. Cisco Secure IPS
Here’s another brand that should be at the top of your list. Cisco’s products give you high performance, ease-of-use, and flexibility. Secure IPS is no exception—it can fit your business perfectly. For more luxuries you could go into SecureX too.
All you need to do is adapt the IPS to your network. For example, decide how much information you want it to monitor. Should it include files, apps, and all activity from every hub in the system?
You should also keep customizing the program to make sure it can deal with new threats, whether they’re related to malware or company policies. On that point, how sensitive should security alerts be?
The more precise you are, the better Cisco Secure IPS can perform its tasks and integrate with your business.
7. NSFocus Next-Generation Intrusion Prevention System
Automation makes cybersecurity even more effective, so a solution that offers advanced AI-based technology is a must, especially for a big or complicated business. This is why NSFocus is regarded so highly for its NGIPS.
The software never stops learning about your workflow, potential threats, ways to counter problems, and how to make your life easier. For example, it can manage or prioritize traffic from different sources as well as police it.
Of course, you have full control over its settings, like what apps to sandbox (isolate from others) and how aggressively it should respond to internal mistakes or high-risk malware. In other words, expect smooth but multilayered integration and performance.
8. Trend Micro TippingPoint
Here’s another great candidate for automated intrusion prevention. As part of Trend Micro’s XGen security software, TippingPoint can spot and block attacks at high speeds. It takes real-time security to the next level.
AI capabilities take a lot of weight off your shoulders too, as you don’t need to direct it’s every move. After setting it up, you should keep an eye on its threat intelligence, settings, and insights. Beyond that, it will learn its way around your network on its own.
All-in-all, TippingPoint is a professional solution for bold organizations. It’s also one of several handy Trend Micro products you can easily merge with each other, pushing the boundaries of your cybersecurity.
9. Palo Alto Cortex XDR
Last but not least is a brand with its own extensive list of professional products. In terms of detecting and preventing breaches in security, Palo Alto’s Cortex XDR offers a good mix of smart tools.
You get artificial intelligence backing a range of features that analyze traffic, quickly counter problems, and provide detailed reports whenever you want them.
The system gives you and your team all the information necessary to understand and deal with even the most obscure threats. With Cortex XDR, you can keep hackers, bots, and employees blindsiding you to a minimum.
Learn What Threats Your Cyber Security Faces
Go deeper into how each of these intrusion detection and prevention systems can boost your security. Choose software that covers as many vulnerabilities as possible, but also one you can manage with ease.
At the same time, get to know what you’re up against. Looking at all the different malware out there is scary yet essential to targeting threats more accurately. Also make a note of mistakes that could happen in your workplace. They can trip you up as easily as viruses.