CyberGuard dictionary / Network Security
Intrusion Prevention System
An intrusion prevention system monitors activity for signs of attack and can automatically block or interrupt traffic that matches its detection logic.
In simple terms
An IPS looks for suspicious behavior and may stop it in line, instead of only sending an alert.
Technical explanation
Network or host-based IPS examines events against signatures, anomalies, or policy rules. Placement, tuning, encrypted traffic visibility, and false positives determine what it can actually prevent.
An IPS sits in the traffic path and can block or reset flows based on signatures or policy. False positives can disrupt legitimate work, so changes require tuning and rollback plans.
Examples in practice
An inline IPS rejects a request that matches a tested exploit signature while recording the event for investigation.
A new rule blocks exploit traffic but also interrupts an internal API with similar payloads. Operators review the event, narrow the rule, and verify both the protection and service recovery.
Why it matters
Prevention can shorten exposure, but a poorly tuned rule can also disrupt legitimate traffic.
VERIFY & LEARN MORE
Sources and further reading
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.