Intrusion Detection Software

What is intrusion detection software?

Intrusion detection software, which includes network intrusion detection system software (NIDS), can monitor network traffic for suspicious activity, violations of security policies, and generate alerts if it detects malicious activity. These intrusion detection systems (IDSs) help shore up network security by analyzing traffic passing through strategic network points and subnets for signs of known cyberattack vectors.

What does intrusion detection software do?

Intrusion detection system software operates passively, in contrast to firewalls and intrusion prevention systems (IPSs), which take a proactive approach to preventing malware and other cyberthreats from successfully contacting the network. Detection-based software monitors for and detects anomalous, malicious, or otherwise noteworthy forms of traffic and sends alerts about its findings but doesn’t actually prevent the traffic in question from reaching its intended destination. IDS security systems play an important role in modern IT security—and one that complements the threat-prevention capabilities of firewalls and IPSs.

There are two primary types of intrusion detection software—signature based and anomaly based.

1. Signature-based threat detection systems scan network traffic for signs of known threats and intrusion event patterns. Since these systems are attempting to match network traffic to known intrusion signatures, the threat signature databases need to be regularly updated to ensure they remain as accurate and effective as possible. Cyberattackers can often work around signature-based IDS by making small alterations to threat intrusion patterns, which means these software solutions are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive security lineup and not as standalone products.
 
2. Anomaly detection systems support signature-based threat detection systems by examining network traffic for unknown, novel attack vectors the latter systems cannot identify. Anomaly-based IDSs can leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning to rapidly compare network traffic against known and trusted models of network behavior, which can allow the software to more efficiently identify unusual activity and outliers when fending off new threats, cybercrimes, and hacking attempts.

Anomaly-based detection systems assume network traffic will remain comparable to the standardized benchmarks and can occasionally flag legitimate but previously unknown malicious traffic patterns as being potentially threatening. That said, anomaly detection IDSs are excellent for identifying probes or sweeps before an intrusion attempt begins, as these will generate atypical forms of network traffic.

Why is having an IDS security system important?

IDS security systems provide critical visibility into inbound and outbound network traffic by alerting admins when malicious signatures, intrusion patterns, or anomalous activity is detected. This enables technicians to immediately investigate possible threats and to prevent or mitigate the damage of cyberattacks.

The unfortunate truth is all networks are penetrable, and a comprehensive set of security tools including firewalls, anti-virus software, and IDS and IPS systems is vital to fending off and catching malicious activity. As cyberattackers devise new attack vectors and methods to take advantage of potential weaknesses or gaps in network defenses, increasingly sophisticated security systems are essential.

How does the IDS software work in SolarWinds Security Event Manager?

SolarWinds Security Event Manager (SEM) is engineered to provide highly effective automated intrusion detection and response capabilities. In addition to monitoring network traffic and correlating event sequences for advanced threat detection, SEM scans USB devices and inbound and outbound files for signs of malicious alterations. SEM can also perform routine checks of the network file system for data integrity and unauthorized or suspicious activity.

SEM’s signature databases are regularly updated to ensure maximum protection and detection capabilities against newly identified botnets and other cyberattack sources. At the same time, SEM’s intrusion prevention features allow you to configure automated reactions when an intrusion event is identified—all without the need for additional coding or customized scripts. Some of these configurable actions include:

• Sending notifications via a variety of channels
• Suspending or expelling user accounts responsible for malicious activity
• Blocking IP addresses
• Killing processes
• Triggering shutdowns and restarts for affected systems and services
• Isolating suspicious USB devices

SEM reduces the need for you to respond manually to threat events, while helping safeguard your network as you examine the activity in question and determine an appropriate response. SolarWinds SEM provides varying network security functions and can integrate with event log files collected from other system infrastructure, helping provide a more holistic and powerful approach to intrusion detection and prevention.

Related Features and Tools

Other SolarWinds Tools to Help Detect Intrusion Attacks:

• SolarWinds Access Rights Manager
• SolarWinds Identity Monitor

Related Features:

• User Activity Monitoring
• Threat Prevention
• Threat Detection
• Security Orchestration and Automation
• Audit Logon Events