An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is like a digital security guard for computer networks. Its job is to monitor and analyze the activities happening on a network or a computer system to identify any unusual or suspicious behavior that could indicate a potential security threat.
Normal Behavior vs. Anomalies:
- Normal Behavior: Think of normal behavior as the usual patterns of activity on a computer network. It’s like the routine actions and interactions that happen regularly.
- Anomalies: Anomalies are deviations from this normal behavior. They’re like unexpected or unusual activities that might signal a security problem.
Difficulty in Anomaly Detection:
- Diverse Activities: Networks have a wide range of activities happening all the time, and it can be challenging to distinguish between regular and suspicious actions.
- Changing Patterns: Normal behavior can change over time, making it tricky to define a fixed set of rules for what is considered normal.
- False Positives: Anomaly detection systems may sometimes mistakenly flag normal behavior as suspicious, leading to false alarms.
- Adaptation by Intruders: Smart attackers can adapt and change their tactics to avoid detection, making it difficult for the IDS to keep up.