TechKnowSurge
CompTIA Security+ 4.5 CompTIA Security+ 3.2
TechKnowSurge Catalog Interactives HIDS, HIPS, NIDS or NIPS?
InteractiveSecurityFree

HIDS, HIPS, NIDS or NIPS?

Host or network, and alert-only or block? Sort each intrusion system as HIDS, HIPS, NIDS or NIPS.

⚑ Complete this interactive to capture a CTF flag worth 5 points.

About this interactive

Intrusion systems are split on two questions. The first is where they sit. A host-based system is software installed on one machine, watching that machine's own activity, which catches a compromise happening between machines inside the network, where a network sensor at the edge cannot see. A network-based system watches traffic across the network, often built into the firewall. The second is what they do when they find something. A detection system (IDS) alerts and leaves action to a person. A prevention system (IPS) takes action to stop the intrusion, at the cost of possibly blocking legitimate traffic and a performance hit. Cross the two and you get four: HIDS (host, detect), HIPS (host, prevent), NIDS (network, detect), NIPS (network, prevent). To sort a card, decide host or network, then detect-only or block.

What you'll learn

Aligned to

CompTIA Security+
4.5 Given a scenario, modify enterprise capabilities to enhance security.
3.2 Given a scenario, apply security principles to secure enterprise infrastructure.

Key terms

Host-based Intrusion Detection System
HIDS
A security system that monitors and analyzes activity on a single host for signs of malicious behavior.
Host-based Intrusion Prevention System
HIPS
Host-based Intrusion Prevention System monitors endpoint activity and actively blocks malicious behavior such as unauthorized code execution, process injection, and suspicious file modifications.
Network-based Intrusion Detection System
NIDS
An IDS deployed at the network level that monitors traffic across the entire network for signs of malicious activity.
Network-based Intrusion Prevention System
NIPS
An IPS deployed at the network level that monitors and actively blocks malicious traffic across the entire network.
Intrusion Detection System
IDS
A system that monitors network or system activities for malicious behavior and generates alerts.

Topics

Interactive Categorize

About TechKnowSurge

TechKnowSurge builds IT and cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, concept-first training built around real understanding — not memorization. Free interactive tools, structured programs, and 25+ years of real-world experience, all in one place.

Explore free tools and programs →