IDP Support Notes
23
IDP FAQ
What is HIDS?
Host intrusion detection systems are intrusion detection systems that are installed
locally on host machines. This makes HIDS a very versatile system compared to
NIDS. HIDS can be installed on many different types (roles) of machines namely
servers, workstations and notebook computers. This methodology gives an
organization the edge where as an NIDS will fail if it has to reach a segment beyond
NDIS capability.
What is NIDS?
Monitors all network traffic passing on the LAN segment where NIDS is installed;
reacting to any anomaly or signature based suspicious activity. Think of it as a packet
sniffer that analyzes every packet for attack signatures.
What is HIPS?
A Host Intrusion Prevention System resides on the network host protecting it from
attack. These used to be known as personal firewalls but as their capabilities increased
the HIPS term took hold.
What is NIPS (IDP)?
Intrusion means someone intentionally break into your computer/network, either to
steal your confidential data or do something to your computer/network that is against
your will. Unlike traditional IDS (Intrusion detection system) only detects suspicious
packets; IDP takes it to the next level, it can blocks/drops the malicious packets.
What’s the difference between false positive and false negative?
A false positive is when a IDS/IDP system incorrectly reports that it has found attacks,
and falsely drops a legitimate packet. But if an attack can through IDS/IDP system
without being awared, then we call it’s a false negative.
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