What is the primary purpose of “Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)” in Sophos XG Firewall?

The primary purpose of the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) in Sophos XG Firewall is to prevent unauthorized access and detect intrusions. IPS actively monitors network traffic to identify potential threats and malicious activities. It can analyze data packets in real-time, looking for signatures of known threats or anomalous behavior that might indicate an attack. When a potential threat is detected, the IPS can take immediate action to block the offending traffic, preventing it from entering the network and thereby safeguarding sensitive data and systems.

This capability is essential for maintaining the security posture of an organization, as it addresses vulnerabilities and response to evolving cyber threats. Implementing IPS helps in protecting networks from intrusions that could lead to data breaches or system compromises, making it a critical component of comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. The focus here is on maintaining the integrity and security of the network rather than aspects like optimizing speed, managing user access, or simplifying network setup, which are addressed by other features and systems.