Security Spotlight: Intrusion Prevention and Detection Systems

A System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2 examination attests that your organization is compliant with the criteria laid out by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The Common Criteria used in a SOC 2 examination cover a variety of system controls that ensure that your organization is operating with best practices to mitigate cybersecurity risks. One way to prevent cyberattacks and reduce cyber risk is to implement intrusion prevention and detection systems along with file integrity monitoring.                

What in an Intrusion Prevention System?

An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a network security tool that continuously monitors your organization’s network for unusual or malicious network traffic. Intrusion prevention systems take action to prevent abnormal behavior, which typically includes both reporting and blocking any suspicious traffic. Intrusion prevention systems analyze behavior and compare it to previous, known patterns. When network behavior doesn’t match recognized patterns, the IPS can block the unusual traffic from entering the network.

What in an Intrusion Detection System?

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a network monitoring tool that also continuously monitors your organization’s network for unusual or malicious activity. As opposed to an intrusion prevention system, an IDS only generates immediate alerts when unusual or malicious activity is detected but does not block the traffic from entering the network. An intrusion prevention system takes action by itself to stop the traffic, whereas an intrusion detection system simply generates alerts.

What is File Integrity Monitoring?

File integrity monitoring (FIM) is a security process used to monitor your organization’s critical assets, such as file systems and content, databases, network devices, servers, and operating systems by searching for evidence of corruption or tampering, which can be an indication of a cyberattack. FIM can be helpful in detecting cyberattacks, locating weaknesses within your organization’s IT infrastructure, and providing another layer of incident response.

IPS, IDS, FIM, and SOC 2

A SOC 2 examination evaluates whether your organization has adequate controls in place to mitigate cybersecurity risks. One way your organization can demonstrate its commitment to cybersecurity is to utilize an IPS, IDS, and, where applicable, FIM. In combination with other controls, an IPS, IDS, and FIM ensure your organization is operating with best cybersecurity practices. With sufficient measures in place to detect and prevent malicious activity, your organization is one step closer to becoming SOC 2 compliant.

Helping You Get There…

No matter where you are on your journey to SOC 2 compliance, Boulay is here to help you get there. To learn more about our SOC 2 services, connect with a member of Boulay’s Risk Advisory Team.