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The Evolution of NDR: From IDS to Advanced Threat Detection

  • Sarika Sharma

"In cybersecurity, the ability to detect threats faster than they evolve is not just an advantage—it's a necessity." - Gartner

It is always important to be one step ahead of cyber attackers. The tools and methods used to protect computer networks need to keep improving to match the growing cyber threats. One big change in this area is moving from old-fashioned Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) to newer Network Detection and Response (NDR) solutions. This blog will look at how IDS has changed into NDR, emphasizing their main differences and the better features NDR offers.

What are IDS?

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) has been a foundation of network security for a long time. It offers real-time monitoring of network traffic, analyzes it for patterns of suspicious behavior, and alerts security teams for any potential threats.

IDS Framework Graphic

Key Features of IDS

  • Signature-Based Detection: An IDS uses a list of known threat patterns. It checks network traffic for these patterns to find possible intrusions.
  • Anomaly Detection: Along with signature-based detection, an IDS can detect changes in network behavior. It marks suspicious activities that might seem like a potential threat.
  • Passive Monitoring: An IDS works by monitoring quietly, informing security teams when it comes across any potential threats, but it doesn't do anything directly to stop them.

IDS Limitations: The Need for Advanced Technology

Intrusion Detection Systems has played a very important role in improving network security, but it has its limitations that have led to the development of better tools like NDR. Let’s have a look at some of the limitations that it holds:  

  • Limited Threat Detection: IDS relies on a database of known threats. Threats that aren’t mentioned in this database can go undetected. 
  • High False Positives: IDS can sometimes mistake harmless activity for threats, causing many false alarms that can overload security teams. 
  • Lacks Real-Time Response: It mainly detects threats but can’t act on them immediately, leaving networks at risk until someone can manually address the issue. 
  • Scalability Issues: As companies’ networks become complex, IDS might not be able to keep up with their growing requirements, potentially leaving the network vulnerable.

These challenges clearly show that there is the need for a more thorough and proactive solution. The one which can detect and respond to threats, just like Network Detection and Response (NDR).

NDR: The Advanced Network Threat Detection Solution

Network Detection and Response systems are an important part of protecting your network from threats. NDR provides a more comprehensive way to handle threats than IDS.  

IDS mainly looks for possible threats and tells the security team about them. But NDR does more than that; it also takes action against these threats. This ability to act before problems happen is very important now, because cyberattacks are getting more complex and happening faster.

NDR Framework Graphic

Key Features of NDR

  • Behavioral Analytics: Instead of depending on known threat patterns like IDS, NDR uses machine learning to study how the network behaves. This helps in detecting unusual activities that might suggest new, unknown threats in the network.
  • Real-Time Incident Response: NDR can act quickly on its own as it detects any suspicious activities. It might isolate infected devices or stop harmful traffic to keep threats from spreading.
  • Threat Intelligence Integration: NDR tools are always getting updates with new information about threats. This helps them catch and deal with the newest and most complex threats.
  • Complete Visibility: It gives a complete view of everything happening on the network, including encrypted messages and activities in cloud systems. This ensures that no potential threats are missing.

How NDR Works to Detect Threats Fast

NDR systems are made to continuously monitor traffic over the network and use tools to detect and respond to possible threats. The process usually goes like:  

  • Data Gathering: NDR gathers and combines information about network activities from different places like computers, servers, and cloud systems. 
  • Studying Behavior: Programs look at the gathered information to understand what normal network activities look like. If something unusual happens, it gets flagged for closer examination. 
  • Finding Problems: NDR checks for issues using two methods; one that looks for specific signs of suspicious activities and another that spots them out. This helps to find both common and new types of problems. 
  • Quick Actions: When NDR finds a problem, it automatically takes steps to fix it, like isolating the infected area to prevent serious damage.

NDR vs IDS Capabilities

When looking at NDR and IDS, it’s clear that NDR provides more advanced features that are important for today’s network security: 

  • Detection Methods: IDS mainly uses pattern recognition to find threats, but NDR combines pattern recognition with behavior analysis, which helps it to detect both familiar and new threats better. 
  • Reaction Abilities: IDS can only notify security teams, but NDR can quickly respond by stopping and reducing the impact of threats. 
  • Insight: NDR gives a full view of everything happening on the network, even in encrypted data, which is something IDS struggles with. 
  • Threat Information: NDR tools, such as those from Fidelis, regularly update with the newest threat information, helping them stay ahead of changing threats.
NDR vs IDS Infographic

NDR and IDS Integration Capabilities

NDR provides more sophisticated features than IDS, but there are situations in which combining NDR with IDS, and even IPS, can be advantageous. This multi-layered strategy helps organizations enhance their overall security by utilizing the unique advantages of each technology.

Integration Benefits

  • Improved Detection: Mixing the thorough, pattern-based detection of IDS with the sophisticated analysis of NDR can increase the overall ability to find threats. 
  • Complete Reaction: While IDS warns teams about dangers, NDR can act on these warnings, offering a more thorough and proactive way to deal with threats. 
  • Fewer False Alarms: Combining IDS and NDR helps to remove false alarms, allowing security teams to concentrate on real threats.

The Role of Fidelis Network® in Modern Cybersecurity

As companies deal with more complex cyber threats, one needs better network security tools. Fidelis Network® is a strong choice because it goes beyond the old IDS systems and provides you with advanced features to find and respond to network issues.

Why Choose Fidelis Network®?

  • Early Threat Detection: Uses smart analysis to spot both familiar and new threats.
  • Data Loss Prevention: Data profiling and classification; Pre-built policies for known compliance regulations across network, email, and web sensors.
  • Quick Action: Quickly stops and shuts out threats to keep problems from getting worse.
  • Full View: Keeps an eye on everything happening in the network.
  • Regular Updates: Keeps track of the newest threat information to keep protection strong.
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Fidelis Network Value Graph

Conclusion

The shift from IDS to NDR shows how cyber threats are advancing day by day and why we need a better security system. IDS was one of the best tools out there for protecting networks in the past, but NDR is now better at finding and dealing with threats as they take place. It offers an advanced and thorough approach to defense.

For companies aiming to improve their cybersecurity defenses, Fidelis Network® provides a dependable and sophisticated solution. By combining behavioral analytics, immediate response capabilities, and ongoing updates on threat intelligence, Fidelis’ NDR solution not only identifies threats more quickly but also stops them from causing major damage.

Frequently Ask Questions

What types of threats are best detected by NDR compared to IDS?

NDR is good at finding sneaky and complicated threats like APTs, zero-day exploits, and other tricky attacks that traditional IDS might miss because they usually look for known patterns.

Can NDR be used with other security tools like SIEM and EDR?

Yes, NDR can work with SIEM and EDR systems to give a better and more coordinated way to protect against threats. 

How does machine learning help with NDR?

NDR uses machine learning to analyze network behavior and to detect unusual activities that might indicate a new or unknown threat. This helps to find threats more accurately and quickly.

About Author

Picture of Sarika Sharma
Sarika Sharma

Sarika, a cybersecurity enthusiast, contributes insightful articles to Fidelis Security, guiding readers through the complexities of digital security with clarity and passion. Beyond her writing, she actively engages in the cybersecurity community, staying informed about emerging trends and technologies to empower individuals and organizations in safeguarding their digital assets.

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