Cyber security
Best Practice: Use firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)
Sep 12, 2024
As cyber threats evolve, defending against malicious activity requires more than just a perimeter defence. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) are essential tools in safeguarding networks, monitoring traffic, and preventing attacks before they can cause harm. Together, they create a layered defence that controls network traffic and proactively identifies and stops potential threats.
What Are Firewalls and IDS/IPS?
A firewall acts as a gatekeeper, controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on a set of security rules. It can block or allow traffic depending on whether it’s deemed safe or harmful, creating a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external ones, such as the internet.
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) monitors network traffic for suspicious behaviour and potential threats, alerting administrators when malicious activity is detected. Meanwhile, an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) takes things a step further by automatically blocking or mitigating the detected threats in real-time.
Key Benefits of Firewalls and IDS/IPS
1. Control Over Network Traffic: Firewalls allow organisations to control which data flows in and out of their networks, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to sensitive resources.
2. Real-Time Threat Monitoring: IDS and IPS tools offer real-time visibility into network traffic, making it possible to detect unusual or malicious activity before it can escalate into a full-scale attack.
3. Proactive Prevention of Cyber Attacks: While firewalls focus on blocking unauthorised access, IPS systems actively prevent attacks by stopping suspicious traffic before it reaches its destination.
4. Improved Compliance: Many regulatory frameworks, including GDPR and PCI DSS, require organisations to implement strong network security measures, including firewalls and intrusion detection systems, to safeguard sensitive data.
Best Practices for Using Firewalls and IDS/IPS
- Deploy Both Perimeter and Internal Firewalls: External firewalls protect the network’s perimeter, blocking untrusted external traffic. Internal firewalls should be used to segment and protect critical internal assets, preventing lateral movement by attackers.
- Use IDS/IPS Tools to Monitor and Prevent Malicious Activity: Tools like Snort, Suricata, and Zeek (formerly Bro) are effective IDS/IPS systems that monitor network traffic for signs of intrusion. Ensure that these systems are updated regularly with the latest threat signatures.
- Create and Maintain Strong Firewall Policies: Define clear rules and policies for the firewall that allow necessary traffic while blocking potential threats. Keep firewall policies updated to reflect the current needs of the organisation.
- Integrate Firewall and IDS/IPS Solutions: For maximum protection, integrate firewall, IDS, and IPS solutions to work together. Combining these tools provides a more comprehensive security approach, with firewalls filtering traffic and IDS/IPS detecting and responding to threats.
- Monitor Logs and Alerts Regularly: Ensure that network traffic logs and IDS/IPS alerts are reviewed frequently. Implement automated alerts to notify security teams of potential intrusions so that they can take swift action.
Conclusion
Using firewalls and IDS/IPS is a fundamental aspect of network security. By controlling traffic and proactively monitoring for suspicious activity, these tools help protect networks from cyber threats, minimise the risk of breaches, and ensure regulatory compliance. Organisations that deploy both perimeter and internal firewalls, along with effective IDS/IPS solutions, can create a robust defence against a wide range of attacks.
