Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which system can detect and immediately address a network problem?

1. IDS

2. IPS

3. Network Scanner

4. Proxy Server

The correct answer is: IPS

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is designed to detect and respond to network problems in real-time. Unlike an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which primarily focuses on monitoring and alerting on potential security threats without taking any preventative action, an IPS is actively proactive. It not only identifies malicious activities or vulnerabilities within the network but also takes immediate measures to block or prevent these threats from causing harm. The IPS operates inline, meaning it is positioned directly in the flow of network traffic. When it detects suspicious activity, it can automatically take actions such as dropping malicious packets, blocking offending IP addresses, or shutting down specific connections to mitigate risks before they escalate into significant issues. This capability is crucial in maintaining network integrity and security, especially in environments that face a high volume of potential attacks. Other systems such as network scanners, proxies, and IDS play important roles in network security, but they do not possess the same immediate response capability as an IPS. Network scanners primarily focus on identifying devices and potential vulnerabilities but do not engage with threats actively. Proxy servers act as intermediaries for requests from clients seeking resources from other servers, without inherently providing real-time threat detection or remediation. An IDS provides alerts but lacks the functionality to take automated preventive measures. Thus, the