IDS vs. IPS: What is the Difference? | UpGuard

## Executive Summary This article provides a concise technical overview of intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), comparing their roles (monitoring vs. control), explaining common detection techniques (signature-based, anomaly-based, reputation/stateful analysis), enumerating system types (NIDS/HIDS, NIPS/WIPS/HIPS/NBA), describing typical IPS responses (session termination, IP blocking, firewall reconfiguration, payload removal), and outlining practical limitations (false positives, encrypted traffic, outdated signatures, processing limits).