How does Intrusion Prevention differ from Intrusion Detection?

Intrusion Prevention and Intrusion Detection serve different purposes in network security, and the distinction between them is vital for effective threat management. Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) are proactive measures that actively block or prevent potential threats by dropping malicious packets before they can reach their intended target. This means that when an intrusion is detected, the IPS can automatically take action to neutralize the threat, ensuring immediate protection.

On the other hand, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) primarily function in a monitoring capacity. They analyze network traffic for suspicious activities and provide alerts to administrators when they find potential threats. However, an IDS does not take immediate action to prevent these threats; it merely notifies users of the activity for further investigation.

Thus, the assertion that Intrusion Prevention drops packets while Intrusion Detection just notifies reflects the fundamental operational difference between the two systems. An IPS is designed not only to detect intrusions but also to actively respond to them, whereas an IDS focuses on identifying and reporting findings without offering immediate protective measures.