Network-Based Intrusion Prevention

This question asks if you have systems that monitor all network traffic flowing through your infrastructure and automatically block detected attacks. It's like having a smart security checkpoint that inspects every vehicle entering your facility and automatically stops suspicious ones. Unlike detection systems that just alert you, prevention systems take immediate action to stop threats.

Network IPS is essential for stopping attacks before they reach your applications and data. Without it, you're relying on human response time to stop attacks, which can mean the difference between a blocked attempt and a data breach. Enterprise customers expect IPS because it provides automated, real-time protection against known attack patterns and reduces the window of vulnerability. This capability is often a compliance requirement and demonstrates proactive rather than reactive security.

Many companies deploy IPS in detection-only mode, never enabling actual prevention due to fear of blocking legitimate traffic. This defeats the entire purpose. Another mistake is implementing IPS without proper baseline tuning, leading to either excessive false positives that disrupt business or missed attacks due to overly permissive rules.