Definition: 

Network Intrusion Prevention Systems

Network intrusion prevention systems describe the combined effort of IT strategies and security devices implemented by organizations in order to monitor, analyze and protect network traffic from malicious activities. Effective defense procedures can help companies build a strong, efficient network for the reliable transmission and retrieval of business-critical information.

Network intrusion prevention systems are utilized by many organizations to protect business networks from potential threats while increasing the overall performance of information and application delivery across those networks. Without a competent security system, business networks can fall prey to a variety of attacks such as self-propagating worms, the creation of backdoors, spyware, anonymizers, phishing, BotNets, or the exploitation of potential vulnerabilities in VoIP, email, DNS and more. No matter the threat, networks require proper intrusion prevention capabilities to function at the most optimal possible level. Discovering these intrusions before they negatively impact a system is crucial. Anti-virus software, firewalls and routine system analysis are just a few of the techniques companies can utilize to protect information and application delivery networks. Should an attacker gain access, networks should be properly equipped to detect and eliminate threats before severe damage has occurred. Comprehensive network intrusion prevention systems provide organizations with increased availability and scalability to improve overall network and business performance.