4-4 Wireless Intrusion Detection and Prevention Explained

Key Concepts

Understanding Wireless Intrusion Detection and Prevention involves grasping several key concepts:

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
• Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
• Anomaly Detection
• Signature-Based Detection

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are security tools designed to monitor and detect suspicious activities on a wireless network. IDS can be either network-based or host-based, and they analyze network traffic to identify potential threats. When a suspicious activity is detected, the IDS generates an alert for further investigation.

Example: Think of IDS as a security camera in a store. It continuously monitors the store (network) for any unusual activities (threats) and alerts the security personnel (administrator) when something suspicious is detected.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are an extension of IDS that not only detect but also take action to prevent potential threats. IPS can block malicious traffic, quarantine infected devices, and apply countermeasures to neutralize threats in real-time. This proactive approach helps in safeguarding the network from attacks.

Example: Consider IPS as a security guard in a store. In addition to monitoring the store (network) for suspicious activities (threats), the guard can take immediate action, such as stopping a shoplifter (blocking malicious traffic) to prevent any harm.

Anomaly Detection

Anomaly Detection is a technique used by IDS and IPS to identify unusual patterns in network traffic that deviate from the norm. This method is based on statistical analysis and machine learning, which helps in detecting new and unknown threats that may not be covered by signature-based detection.

Example: Think of anomaly detection as a weather forecasting system. By analyzing historical data (normal traffic patterns), the system can predict and alert you (generate an alert) when unusual weather conditions (anomalous traffic) are detected, even if they are not previously known.

Signature-Based Detection

Signature-Based Detection is a method used by IDS and IPS to identify known threats by comparing network traffic against a database of known attack signatures. These signatures are patterns or characteristics of known malicious activities, and they help in quickly identifying and mitigating known threats.

Example: Consider signature-based detection as a fingerprint identification system. By comparing a suspect's fingerprint (network traffic) against a database of known fingerprints (attack signatures), the system can quickly identify and apprehend (mitigate) known criminals (threats).