When it comes to keeping networks safe, two terms are definitely in our minds: Firewalls and IDS. Both firewalls and IDS play an important role in securing the networks. However, people usually confuse these terms. So, in this article, we will clarify this concept by learning the difference between firewalls and IDS, with their pros and cons. So, stay around and read on!
Contents
What are Firewalls? Pros and Cons
A firewall is an internet protection made to prevent hackers from attacking a network. It determines who can and can not enter the network. Thus, it acts as a barrier of protection between the network and security threats. It also monitors the traffic, detects suspicious activity, and keeps check on data packages. To further enhance your network security, you can check your public IP addresses at My IP, which you can use to protect your network against cyberattacks.
Pros
- Prevent Hackers: Firewalls prevent hackers from attacking the system by blocking unauthorized access.
- Monitor Traffic: Firewalls help you monitor system traffic and allow you to check if something suspicious is happening.
- Better Privacy: Firewalls block unauthorized access, prevent hackers, and allow monitoring of the traffic. In this way, firewalls enhance system privacy and keep personal information safe.
- Protection against Malware: Firewalls also provide protection against malware. It keeps the system protected from viruses and worms.
Cons
- High Cost: Different firewalls have different price ranges. However, the good firewalls usually cost more than an ordinary one.
- Complex Operations: Setting up a firewall involves complex operations. Thus, setting it up may require professional help.
- Performance: Firewall performance usually depends on the processing and RAM. Using a firewall continuously can slow down your system’s performance.
What is IDS? Pros and Cons
IDS, or Intrusion Detection System, is like a detective that monitors the system to detect malicious activities. It not only detects the threats but also notifies these activities and generates reports on them. This notifying feature differs IDS from firewalls.
Pros
- Tracks Virus Transmission: One of the key benefits of IDS is that it tracks virus transmission. When the virus enters your network, IDS detects and informs the system about this attack.
- Enhance Efficiency: IDS automates and monitors the activities and thus enhances the network’s efficiency.
- Visibility: IDS also increases your network visibility by effectively showing what is happening inside the networks. It also helps in detecting malicious activities.
- Easy To Keep Up with Regulations: IDS enhances your network visibility and helps you keep up with regulations easily.
Cons
- Requires Extra Maintenance: Unlike firewalls, IDS requires extra maintenance and an expert individual to use and solve any problem.
- False Positive and Negative: IDS may usually alert you even when nothing happened. This is called a false positive. It sometimes also fails to detect the problem, resulting in false negative results.
- Does not Attack Encrypted Packets: IDS is not capable of identifying encrypted packs. Thus, if a hacker hides its attack in an encrypted packet, an IDS cannot detect that.
