Network Security Devices: Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS IPS) Quizzes

Question 1

Which of the following is a key component of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

Signature database

Answer

Vulnerability assessment tool

Answer

Access control list

Answer

Intrusion prevention engine

Question 2

What is the primary distinction between an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

Accepted Answer

An IPS can actively prevent or mitigate threats, while an IDS only detects them.

Answer

An IDS uses signature-based detection, while an IPS uses anomaly-based detection.

Answer

An IDS monitors network traffic, while an IPS monitors system logs.

Question 3

Which of the following deployment strategies is most suitable for an IPS?

Accepted Answer

Inline

Answer

Out-of-band

Answer

Passive

Answer

Virtual

Question 4

What type of IDS relies on statistical analysis of network traffic to identify irregular patterns?

Accepted Answer

Anomaly-based IDS

Answer

Behavior-based IDS

Answer

Signature-based IDS

Answer

Protocol-based IDS

Question 5

What is the primary purpose of a honeypot in an IDS/IPS system?

Accepted Answer

To attract and observe potential attackers

Answer

To detect system vulnerabilities

Answer

To filter malicious traffic

Answer

To monitor network performance

Question 6

Which protocol is commonly used by IDS/IPS systems to communicate with each other and share security information?

Accepted Answer

Syslog

Answer

HTTP

Answer

SNMP

Answer

Modbus

Question 7

What is the recommended best practice for managing IDS/IPS alerts?

Accepted Answer

Prioritize and investigate based on severity and potential impact

Answer

Forward all alerts to a SIEM without review

Answer

Block all alerts at the firewall

Answer

Ignore alerts from unknown sources

Question 8

Which of the following is a key best practice for tuning an IDS/IPS system?

Accepted Answer

Regularly update signatures, rules, and threat intelligence

Answer

Set the sensitivity level to the highest setting

Answer

Ignore all low-priority alerts

Answer

Disable logging to improve performance

Question 9

What is the ultimate goal of deploying an IDS/IPS system in a network?

Accepted Answer

To protect against unauthorized access and malicious activities

Answer

To monitor compliance with industry regulations

Answer

To provide remote access to authorized users

Answer

To enhance network performance and availability

Question 10

What is the primary distinction between signature-based and anomaly-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

Signature-based IDS inspect for known attack patterns, while anomaly-based IDS detect deviations from established behavioral baselines.

Answer

Signature-based IDS are more accurate than anomaly-based IDS.

Answer

Anomaly-based IDS can detect zero-day attacks.

Question 11

What is a significant benefit of deploying Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) in a network?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced cybersecurity posture through real-time threat detection and response

Answer

Reduced hardware requirements

Answer

Elimination of all security risks

Answer

Increased network efficiency

Question 12

Which deployment strategy is commonly used for Host-based Intrusion Detection Systems (HIDS)?

Accepted Answer

Installed directly on individual endpoints

Answer

Managed from a central location

Answer

Deployed on network switches

Answer

Integrated into cloud-based services

Question 13

What is a common type of false positive generated by Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

Legitimate network traffic that triggers an IDS alert

Answer

Missed actual intrusion attempts

Answer

Alerts caused by system malfunctions

Question 14

Which best practice is crucial for effective management of Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)?

Accepted Answer

Regularly updating IDS/IPS signatures and rules

Answer

Ignoring low-priority alerts

Answer

Disabling IDS/IPS during peak traffic periods

Answer

Setting all alerts to the highest severity level

Question 15

What is a potential drawback of using Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)?

Accepted Answer

Increased network latency due to additional traffic inspection

Answer

Guaranteed protection against all cyber threats

Answer

Simplified threat analysis and response

Answer

Reduced visibility into network activities

Question 16

Which factor is critical when selecting an Intrusion Detection and Prevention System (IDS/IPS)?

Accepted Answer

Aligning IDS/IPS capabilities with the organization's security requirements and network characteristics

Answer

Focusing primarily on cost

Answer

Solely relying on vendor reputation

Answer

Choosing the IDS/IPS with the most features

Question 17

Which type of IDS inspects network traffic for predefined attack signatures?

Accepted Answer

Signature-based IDS

Answer

Hybrid IDS

Answer

Stateful IDS

Answer

Anomaly-based IDS

Question 18

Where is an inline IPS typically placed within a network?

Accepted Answer

Directly in the network path between the source and destination

Answer

Only at the network perimeter

Answer

Only on critical servers

Question 19

What is a primary advantage of IPS over IDS?

Accepted Answer

Ability to actively block or mitigate threats

Answer

Ease of configuration and management

Answer

Generation of more detailed event logs

Answer

Lower false positive rate

Question 20

What is the main purpose of a honeypot in intrusion detection?

Accepted Answer

To entice and deceive potential attackers

Answer

To securely store sensitive data

Answer

To monitor network traffic for suspicious activity

Answer

To serve as a backup for critical systems

Question 21

Describe the key difference between prevention and mitigation in the context of IPS.

Accepted Answer

Prevention proactively blocks attacks, while mitigation reduces their impact if successful

Answer

Mitigation involves blocking the attacker, while prevention involves halting the attack

Answer

Prevention is always more effective than mitigation

Question 22

Which of the following is a recommended practice for configuring IDS/IPS effectively?

Accepted Answer

Adjusting detection thresholds to minimize false positives

Answer

Using default settings without modification

Answer

Setting detection thresholds as high as possible to avoid missing attacks

Question 23

Identify a potential disadvantage of deploying an IPS.

Accepted Answer

Increased network latency

Answer

Improved network performance

Answer

Reduced bandwidth consumption

Answer

Enhanced security with no negative impact

Question 24

What is the primary function of intrusion response playbooks in IDS/IPS management?

Accepted Answer

Providing automated procedures for responding to detected threats

Answer

Storing historical data for analysis

Answer

Generating reports for compliance audits

Question 25

**Which deployment strategy for Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) involves placing sensors on the network's edge?**

Accepted Answer

Perimeter-based

Answer

Cloud-based

Answer

Hybrid

Answer

Host-based

Question 26

**In the context of IDS/IPS, a honeypot is:**

Accepted Answer

A system designed to attract and deceive attackers

Answer

A device that monitors network traffic for suspicious activity

Answer

A software application that blocks malicious traffic

Question 27

**Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using IDS/IPS?**

Accepted Answer

Improved network performance

Answer

Reduced false positives

Answer

Enhanced threat detection

Answer

Automated incident response

Question 28

**What is the main distinction between an IDS and an IPS?**

Accepted Answer

IDS detects threats, while IPS detects and blocks threats

Answer

IPS detects threats, while IDS blocks threats

Answer

IDS and IPS have identical functionality

Question 29

**Which of the following is a best practice for managing IDS/IPS systems?**

Accepted Answer

Regularly updating signatures and rules

Answer

Ignoring low-priority alerts

Answer

Disabling IDS/IPS when not in use

Answer

Configuring IDS/IPS to block all unknown traffic

Question 30

**What is the purpose of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system in relation to IDS/IPS?**

Accepted Answer

Collecting and analyzing logs from IDS/IPS and other security devices

Answer

Storing IDS/IPS alerts

Answer

Configuring IDS/IPS settings

Question 31

What is the key difference between an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

Accepted Answer

An IDS only detects suspicious activity, while an IPS can also block or prevent it.

Answer

An IDS is primarily software-based, while an IPS is primarily hardware-based.

Answer

An IDS operates on a network level, while an IPS operates on individual devices.

Question 32

Which type of IDS/IPS analyzes network traffic patterns for deviations from expected behavior, identifying unusual activity?

Accepted Answer

Behavior-based

Answer

Signature-based

Answer

Network-based

Answer

Host-based

Question 33

Placing an IPS directly in the path of network traffic, allowing it to intercept and block potentially malicious packets, is an example of which deployment strategy?

Accepted Answer

Inline

Answer

Out-of-band

Answer

Promiscuous

Answer

Passive

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT a common method used by IDS/IPS to detect malicious activity?

Accepted Answer

Data Encryption

Answer

Signature Matching

Answer

Protocol Analysis

Answer

Anomaly Detection

Question 35

What is a potential limitation of using a signature-based IDS?

Accepted Answer

It might not detect new or zero-day attacks that haven't been defined in its signature database.

Answer

It can consume significant system resources, potentially impacting network performance.

Answer

It cannot analyze traffic encrypted using strong cryptographic protocols.

Answer

It can be challenging to configure and maintain its signature database.

Question 36

A network administrator wants to implement a system that can actively detect and block malicious traffic in real-time. Which solution is most suitable?

Accepted Answer

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)

Answer

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Answer

Antivirus Software

Answer

Firewall

Question 37

What is a false positive in the context of IDS/IPS?

Accepted Answer

When legitimate network traffic is incorrectly identified as malicious and flagged by the system.

Answer

When the system becomes overloaded due to excessive network traffic, causing it to fail.

Answer

When malicious traffic goes undetected and bypasses the system's security measures.

Answer

When the system fails to effectively block a known attack, allowing it to proceed.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT a typical log data source used for analysis by IDS/IPS systems?

Accepted Answer

User passwords

Answer

System event logs

Answer

Firewall logs

Answer

Network traffic logs

Question 39

How can machine learning improve the effectiveness of IDS/IPS systems?

Accepted Answer

By enhancing anomaly detection capabilities and reducing false positive alerts.

Answer

By encrypting network traffic to prevent unauthorized access and attacks.

Answer

By eliminating the need for frequent updates to signature databases.

Question 40

Which of the following is an example of a signature-based IDS?

Accepted Answer

Snort

Answer

Suricata

Answer

Bro

Answer

Honeynet

Question 41

What is the fundamental purpose of an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

Accepted Answer

To actively block or mitigate network threats.

Answer

To continuously scan for vulnerabilities.

Answer

To passively monitor network traffic.

Answer

To generate security notifications.

Question 42

Which of the following best defines a False Positive in the context of IDS?

Accepted Answer

An alert triggered when authorized or legitimate network activity is misinterpreted as malicious.

Answer

An alert triggered by a known and identified attack attempt.

Answer

An alert issued due to a previously unknown or zero-day attack.

Question 43

What is the primary responsibility of a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system in relation to IDS?

Accepted Answer

To centralize and analyze security data from multiple sources, including IDS logs, to provide a comprehensive view of security events.

Answer

To manage the deployment of IDS sensors across the network.

Answer

To autonomously block malicious traffic identified by IDS.

Question 44

Which of the following represents a recommended best practice for managing IDS/IPS deployments?

Accepted Answer

Regularly update signatures and detection rules to stay current with the evolving threat landscape.

Answer

Limit IDS/IPS deployment to network devices only, excluding host systems.

Answer

Disable alerts altogether to eliminate False Positives.

Answer

Ignore low-priority alerts to minimize alert fatigue.

Question 45

What is the key distinction between an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

Accepted Answer

IDS primarily detects and alerts on suspicious activity, while IPS has the added capability of actively preventing or mitigating identified threats.

Answer

IDS relies on anomaly-based detection, while IPS employs signature-based detection.

Answer

IDS is deployed on endpoints, while IPS is deployed on networks.

Question 46

Which type of IDS/IPS primarily analyzes network traffic patterns, comparing them against pre-defined rules to identify potential threats?

Accepted Answer

Signature-based

Answer

Anomaly-based

Answer

Behavioral-based

Answer

Heuristic-based

Question 47

If a network administrator is particularly concerned about detecting and preventing zero-day attacks, which type of IDS/IPS would be the most appropriate choice?

Accepted Answer

Anomaly-based

Answer

Network-based

Answer

Signature-based

Answer

Host-based

Question 48

What is the primary objective of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

To detect and alert on potential security incidents by monitoring network traffic or system activity for suspicious patterns.

Answer

To autonomously block malicious traffic.

Answer

To isolate compromised systems and prevent data exfiltration.

Answer

To remediate vulnerabilities and patch software.

Question 49

Which of the following is an uncommon deployment mode for IDS/IPS?

Accepted Answer

Cloud-based

Answer

Inline

Answer

Out-of-band

Answer

Passive

Question 50

In the context of IDS/IPS, what is a False Positive?

Accepted Answer

An alert triggered when legitimate activity is mistakenly classified as malicious.

Answer

An alert delayed in reaching the security team.

Answer

An alert resulting in a successful system compromise.

Answer

An alert that fails to identify a genuine attack.

Question 51

Which security principle is MOST closely associated with the deployment of an IDS/IPS?

Accepted Answer

Defense in depth

Answer

Secure coding

Answer

Least privilege

Answer

Data loss prevention

Question 52

An IDS/IPS is configured to block traffic from a specific IP address known to be malicious. What type of rule is this?

Accepted Answer

Block rule

Answer

Allow rule

Answer

Signature rule

Answer

Anomaly rule

Question 53

What is a key benefit of using a network-based IDS/IPS over a host-based system?

Accepted Answer

It can protect multiple hosts simultaneously.

Answer

It is less resource-intensive.

Answer

It offers more detailed insights into individual system activity.

Question 54

Which of the following is a common challenge associated with deploying an IDS/IPS?

Accepted Answer

High false positive rates.

Answer

Limited scalability.

Answer

Difficult configuration.

Answer

Lack of integration with other security tools.

Question 55

An IDS/IPS detects a possible attack but does not take any action to prevent it. What type of system is this?

Accepted Answer

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Answer

Firewall

Answer

Anti-virus

Answer

Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)