Businesses across Australia no longer have the option to forego any stringent security framework to protect their commercial endeavours. With cyber security incidents growing, over 40% of Australian businesses experienced network security breaches in 2024, according to TelcoNews, with over 25% resulting in data loss. Taking a strong stance against any risk with robust IDS/IPS solutions is an unfortunate necessity now to safeguard your operations.
Deploying the right expertise in robust security controls allows your business to proactively monitor, detect, and block malicious traffic—across both cloud and on-premises environments and mitigate any risk to your operations. This article will highlight what’s important to know and how to protect your business using Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems tools. Maintaining a secured network with the right defences against the constant threat of cyber attacks is imperative.
IDS and IPS – Understanding the Basics
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are critical tools in any network security stack. An IDS monitors network traffic for suspicious behaviour and alerts administrators to potential threats. It is typically passive, observing and notifying without taking action. An IPS, on the other hand, is active—designed to automatically block or mitigate threats in real-time.
These systems work by examining packets of data moving across a network. They compare activity against known attack signatures (signature-based detection) or look for abnormal behaviour that deviates from baseline patterns (anomaly-based detection).
How Does IDS/IPS Improve Network Security Monitoring?
IDS/IPS systems enhance visibility across your network infrastructure by constantly inspecting traffic for signs of compromise. This continuous monitoring ensures early cyber threat detection, helping security teams respond quickly before damage occurs. Integrated into the security framework, IDS/IPS helps flag and isolate threats within milliseconds, giving businesses the insights they need for rapid remediation and regulatory compliance.
What is the difference between IDS and IPS?
An IDS passively observes and alerts on suspicious activity, while an IPS actively blocks or mitigates threats in real-time. IPS is placed in line with network traffic to prevent harm, whereas IDS is typically out-of-band for analysis and alerting only. Use IDS when you require detailed analysis and layered threat visibility, such as in compliance audits.
Use IPS when automated blocking is needed, such as in high-availability environments that demand real-time threat prevention.
Source: Paloalto Networks
IDS vs. IPS: Side-by-Side Comparison
To better understand the roles of IDS and IPS in network security, the following table outlines their key operational differences:
| Feature | Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) | Intrusion Detection System (IDS) |
| Network Placement | Inline — positioned within the communication path to actively block threats | Out-of-band — monitors traffic without disrupting flow |
| System Behaviour | Active — monitors and takes automated action to prevent threats | Passive — observes and alerts without intervening |
| Primary Function | Threat prevention | Threat detection |
| Response Time | Immediate response to block malicious traffic | Sends alerts for manual investigation |
| Detection Methods | Signature-based and anomaly-based detection, including exploit and vulnerability signatures | Primarily signature-based detection of known exploits |
| Use Case | Environments requiring automated protection and minimal manual intervention | Situations needing detailed monitoring and compliance visibility |
How IDS/IPS Detect and Prevent Cyber Threats
These mechanisms are crucial for effective cyber attack prevention. For example, anomaly-based systems can detect zero-day attacks that don’t match existing signatures, making them especially valuable in modern threat landscapes.
IDS/IPS systems rely on several methods to identify threats:
- Signature-based detection: Recognises known patterns of malicious behaviour.
- Anomaly detection: Identifies unusual traffic based on deviations from established baselines.
- Protocol and application analysis: Examines data structures to uncover misuse.
The Role of IDS/IPS in Real-Time Threat Prevention
Speed matters when facing threats. Modern IPS solutions can respond in real-time by dropping malicious packets, resetting connections, or quarantining infected systems. Speed is especially important in cloud and hybrid environments where threats can propagate rapidly.
Amidata’s IDS/IPS solutions are designed for real-time threat prevention without degrading performance—ensuring your security controls work in tandem with business operations.
Integrating IDS/IPS with Security Information and Event Management
Combining IDS/IPS with a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platform delivers powerful correlation capabilities. SIEM platforms collect and analyse alerts from your security tools—including IDS/IPS—to provide a holistic view of security events.
This integration enables smarter security monitoring and helps detect sophisticated attacks that span multiple systems. With Amidata’s support, businesses can configure streamlined incident response and ensure no threat goes unnoticed.
Are IDS/IPS Necessary for Cloud Security?
Yes, IDS/IPS are necessary for cloud security. They provide critical visibility across cloud environments, monitoring east-west and north-south traffic. These systems help enforce security policies, detect misconfigurations, and prevent data exfiltration—making them essential for maintaining control and protection in both cloud-native and hybrid infrastructure.
As organisations adopt Zero-Trust Security models, IDS/IPS support the ‘never trust, always verify’ approach by inspecting traffic across all access layers. Amidata’s solutions align with Zero-Trust principles, providing protection where firewalls and traditional perimeter defences fall short.
Best Practices for Implementing IDS/IPS in Your Business
To ensure a successful IDS/IPS deployment:
- Define clear objectives—identify what assets need protection.
- Use both IDS and IPS—for layered defence and flexibility.
- Integrate with SIEM—for centralised log analysis and alert correlation.
- Continuously update signatures and baselines—to detect evolving threats.
- Choose cloud-compatible solutions—to support hybrid infrastructure.
Conclusion
Incorporating IDS/IPS into your security strategy is essential for proactively defending your digital infrastructure. These systems provide real-time visibility and response, reducing the risk of breaches, supporting compliance, and strengthening your overall cyber resilience.
With capabilities like anomaly detection, deep packet inspection, and integration into Zero Trust Security models, IDS/IPS solutions help your business stay ahead of evolving threats—whether in the cloud, on-premises or across hybrid environments.
Amidata’s IDS/IPS Can Deliver Complete Protection For Your Business
Amidata’s broader network security solutions complement the safety and security of your business. From advanced firewalls that block unauthorised access, to secure VPNs for remote connectivity and 24/7 network security monitoring, our services are designed to maintain secure, compliant and continuous business operations.
With Amidata, your business is equipped to stay ahead of evolving threats. Contact us today to arrange a Cyber Security Vulnerability Assessment.
