Top 12 Intrusion Detection and Prevention Tools in 2024

Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) serve as critical filters to identify and mitigate malicious activities before they impact further security mechanisms or controls within a network. Positioned within the network traffic stream, an IPS operates actively to analyze and take action on the traffic between its source and destination. This proactive stance distinguishes an intrusion prevention system (IPS) from an intrusion detection system (IDS), which typically monitors network traffic and alerts administrators of suspicious activities without taking direct action to block them.

Implementing an IPS within an organization’s security infrastructure brings several benefits, such as enhanced visibility into potential attacks, reduced risk to business operations, and the ability to address vulnerabilities with fewer resources.

The market offers a variety of IDPS solutions, each with its unique features and capabilities tailored to meet different organizational needs. This article evaluates the top intrusion detection systems available in the market, including their key features and what they offer.

What is an intrusion prevention tool?

An intrusion prevention tool or intrusion detection tool (IDPT) is a security software designed to detect unauthorized access. These tools can be categorized into two main types:

1. Intrusion detection systems (IDS): An intrusion detection system monitors network activities, analyzes the system and the state of the individuals hosts or devices for suspicious traffic.
2. Intrusion prevention systems (IPS): An intrusion prevention system not only monitors network traffic but also prevents them by taking immediate action such as blocking anomalous traffic before the attack reaches its target. IPS tools can be network-based IPS (NIPS) and host-based IPS (HIPS). A network-based IPS tool monitors the entire network traffic and automatically takes actions like blocking traffic to prevent attacks. A host-based IPS tool operates on individual hosts or devices to protect them from internal and external attacks.

How IPS differs from IDS in protecting networks

Intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and intrusion detection systems (IDS) both play crucial roles in network security, yet they function differently. Here’s an explanation of how IPS sets itself apart from IDS in safeguarding networks:

• Intrusion prevention systems actively identify threats and instantly respond by permitting, blocking, or adjusting the network traffic according to the threats it identifies. In contrast, intrusion detection systems observe network activity and inbound and outbound traffic for any breaches of policy, creating alerts and recording data about possible dangers, yet IDS tools don’t intervene to counter these threats.
• IPS operates directly within the network’s traffic stream, allowing it to examine and alter data in transit. In contrast, IDS is not positioned in the immediate route of network traffic; it analyzes duplicates of network packets instead.
• An intrusion prevention system actively enforces security policies by autonomously implementing rules that determine which network traffic is allowed and which is to be blocked, taking into account factors like protocols and IP addresses. On the other hand, an intrusion detection system does not directly apply these policies, but rather notifies administrators about any breaches of policy.

Types of intrusion prevention systems

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are categorized into four main types, including:

1. Network based intrusion prevention system (NIPS): Monitor and protect all network traffic from malicious activities. It automatically takes action against suspicious activities.
2. Network behavior analysis (NBA): Analyze network traffic to detect unusual behaviors, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack and policy violations.
3. Host intrusion prevention system (HIPS): Can be installed directly on a computer or server to detect and prevent harmful actions. HIPS provides an additional layer of security at the host level.
4. Wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS): Monitor, detect and prevent unknown access over a wireless network. WIPS ensures the security of Wi-Fi networks by continuously tracking for blocking unauthorized access.

The best intrusion prevention systems (IPS) tools

The market offers a variety of intrusion prevention system (IPS) tools, ranging from open-source to commercial options. We’ll focus exclusively on commercial, or paid, IPS solutions. For more information, you might consider visiting the IPS solution provider websites.

1. Tufin

Tufin is a company that specializes in security policy management, making it easier for large enterprises to handle their network security policies. Tufin’s security management platform offers instant threat detection and response capabilities, thanks to its exceptional ability to monitor network traffic in real time. The platform provides varying levels of automation, from semi-automated to completely automated (zero-touch), to safeguard networks against sophisticated threats and malware. Additionally, the platform is compatible with major cloud services, including AWS, Azure, and GCP.

2. Cisco

Cisco Secure IPS, formerly known as Cisco Next-Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS), detects and blocks a wide range of threats, including malware, exploits, and malicious network activities. Cisco IPS provides comprehensive insights into network traffic, allowing users to monitor applications, detect indicators of compromise, understand host profiles, track file movements, access vulnerability data, and gain visibility into the operating systems of devices.

Cisco Secure IPS is a part of Cisco’s security framework, employing methods like signature based detection systems, anomaly based detection, and behavioral analysis to detect and mitigate threats. The intrusion prevention system can be implemented across different network settings, such as physical, cloud-based or virtual appliances. The system is capable of decrypting and scrutinizing encrypted traffic to uncover concealed threats.

3. Check Point

Check Point Software Technologies specializes in cyber security for governments and enterprises, known for inventing stateful inspection technology. It has broadened its offerings to encompass network, cloud, and endpoint security, aiming to combat 5th generation cyber threats.The platform’s detection and prevention systems provide signature and behavioral protections.

4. Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is renowned in the cybersecurity field, leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and automation to facilitate secure application use across network environments. Their Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) benefit from the unified processing architecture of their Next-Generation Firewalls, enabling the proactive and automatic interception of cyber threats throughout the various phases of the attack progression.

The IPS analyzes network traffic across all ports, protocols, and even encrypted channels for potential threats. It utilizes a range of detection strategies, including signature-based, anomaly-based, and policy-based methods, to effectively recognize and neutralize threats.

5. Fortinet

Fortinet’s FortiGuard IPS Service is an AI/ML-driven system that identifies and block suspicious threats. It integrates deep packet inspection and virtual patching within its IPS framework, offering prompt defenses against vulnerabilities. The service employs a blend of traffic inspection, signature recognition, behavioral analysis, and anomaly detection to pinpoint potential security threats.

6. Splunk

Splunk is a platform for cybersecurity and observability, analyzing vast data amounts to provide information into security threats and operational challenges. It functions as a network intruder detector and IPS traffic analyzer, employing AI-powered anomaly detection rules. Splunk also features automated behaviors for intrusion remediation, enhancing its capability to secure and monitor IT environments efficiently.

7. Sagan

Quadrant’s Sagan is a security analytics tool designed to track and analyze security data, enabling organizations to detect and tackle cyber threats across different settings. Incorporating AI and machine learning, Sagan enhances threat detection with capabilities like host and network-based intrusion detection systems, streamlining the response to diverse security incidents.

8. Hillstone S-Series

Hillstone’s Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) is designed for data center networks to identify, analyze, and mitigate sophisticated threats. It incorporates a comprehensive database of attack signatures alongside a cloud-powered sandbox for dynamic threat analysis. The system offers flexibility in deployment, allowing for both passive (IDS) and active (IPS) operational modes to suit various security needs.

9. Snort

Snort is an open-source Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that can be freely downloaded and set up for both personal and commercial use. It offers a base level of protection with its default rulesets, and for more comprehensive coverage, there are subscription-based rules available. These enhanced rulesets are developed, tested, and validated by Cisco’s Talos team. Snort employs a combination of signature-based and anomaly-based detection techniques to identify and mitigate a wide range of cyber threats.

10. Trend Micro TippingPoint

TippingPoint provides both physical and virtual IPS solutions that can be integrated with Trend Micro and other third-party tools like SIEM and NGFW. It features automated threat signature updates from Trend Micro and the Zero Day Initiative. Utilizing machine learning, TippingPoint blocks network traffic displaying characteristics of known or potential malware families.

11. Vectra Cognito

The Vectra AI Platform, formerly known as Vectra Cognito, offers solutions for detecting and responding to network threats, addressing various attack surfaces like public cloud, SaaS, identity, and networks. This platform is distinguished by the seamless integration of its core components: Vectra Detect, Vectra Recall, and Vectra Stream.

Vectra Detect employs a combination of machine learning, behavioral analysis, and anomaly detection to identify network threats in real-time. Vectra Recall, a cloud-based service, archives network metadata for historical analysis. Meanwhile, Vectra Stream enhances the platform with its real-time threat detection and capability to automate incident responses.

12. ZScal3r Cloud IPS

Zscaler Cloud IPS operates entirely from the cloud, shifting the security focus towards user activities and network traffic rather than just server protection. It provides SSL decryption capabilities to enhance security visibility.

The solution is integrated with a range of security technologies, including firewalls, sandboxing, Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASB), and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools, for a comprehensive security approach. Additionally, it delivers contextual insights into user behavior, application usage, and potential security threats, impro its effectiveness in threat detection and response.

Further reading

• Network Security Automation: Tips & Techniques in 2024
• Top 10 Network Security Policy Management Solutions (NSPM) [2024]
• Top 8 Network Segmentation Tools in 2024 Based on 500+ Reviews

For guidance on choosing the right tool or service for your project, check out our data-driven lists of zero trust networking software.