Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems - Assignment Example

Firewalls and intrusion detection systems affiliation Firewalls and intrusion detection systems The modern IT systems require effective protection system that may prevent distortion and poor security measures. With an increase in the indulgence in IT systems, security hitches have increased. For instance, hacking cases have increased significantly. For this reason, security measures and systems have been developed to ensure IT systems are secured. St. Louis IT Company (2014) is of the assumption that security systems have become a mandatory requirement considering the vulnerable nature of IT systems.

In an example, Firewalls and intrusion detection systems are created to address network security cases. What are the similarities and differences of these two systems? Intrusion detection systems are software applications or devices that detects and monitors malicious activities of violations of policies provided. In addition, the application provides reports and information to management stations. The application has different ways and mechanisms that may detect network traffic from different sources.

In general, intrusion detection systems focus on detecting network incidences, logging information of users and reporting log in attempts (Ross, 2001). Moreover, companies use the systems to monitor their existing security systems. This is done by detecting issues with security policies and creating documentation on existing network issues. In addition, the system may provide recommendations on how to update existing security policies. The main objectives of IDS are analyzing and monitoring system activities and users, taking part in system audits, analyzing the safety of content used and required, detecting unusual activities and comparing partners to malware patterns.

One major weakness of the system is that it must contain human operations which may hinder the effectiveness of automated functionality (Verma, 2008). On the other hand, firewalls are also used to increase the effectiveness of network security approaches. Firewall protects network security systems from access from unauthorized sources. Verma (2008) is of the assumption that firewall protect security prior to their access. The author further points out that the security system relies on its ability to protect access and distortion before threat is launched.

To increase the effectiveness of the system, they are regularly updated to be able to identify advanced network threats. Firewall security systems also ensure the safety of the network connection used in a business. With a protected security firewall detects both incoming and outgoing packets. This ensures protection from both internal and external risks. One the hardware and software are installed, firewall can function as automated systems (Ross, 2001). The similarities between the two security systems are that they are enabled to detect security threats from networks and users.

In addition, they can both be created to fit a pattern or specifications required by a person of a business. For instance, one may block the access to specific websites to minimize security threats that may emanate from the site. The main difference between firewall and intrusion detection system is that firewall protect security threats that may originate outwardly (St. Louis IT Company, 2014). It protects a system before the threat happens. However, IDS are not equipped with this form of detection.

They detect an already existing network security threat (Internet-Computer-Security, 2011). ReferencesInternet-Computer-Security. (2011). IPS (Intrusion Prevention System) and IDS (Intrusion Detection Systems). Retrieved from http://www.internet-computer-security.com/Firewall/IPS.htmlRoss, A. (2001). Security Engineering: A Guide to Building Dependable Distributed Systems. New York: John Wiley & sons. St. Louis IT Company. (2014). Intrusion Detection Systems & Firewall Configuration Services.

Retrieved from http://www.forwardslashtechnology.com/firewall-intrusion-detection-prevention.htmlVerma, M. (2008).Principles of Information Security. New York: Course Technology.