What makes an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) different from an IDS?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is distinct from an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) primarily due to its proactive capabilities. An IPS is designed to not only detect potential threats and attacks but also to take action on those threats in real-time. This may involve dropping malicious traffic, blocking specific activity, or resetting connections based on defined detection rules.

The ability to block or drop traffic is vital for an IPS because it allows the system to respond to threats immediately, thereby preventing potential damage or unauthorized access. The proactive nature of an IPS, in contrast to an IDS, which typically functions by merely alerting administrators of suspicious activities without taking direct action, highlights its importance in a network security strategy.

In this context, the choice emphasizing the blocking and dropping capabilities of an IPS accurately captures this fundamental difference and underlines the significance of the system in enhancing an organization's cybersecurity posture.