When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Investing in the right intrusion detection system (IDS) can ensure that the latest security threats are constantly kept at bay, halting intruders in their tracks before they cause further damage. Below, we break down the business benefits of this tool and how its long-term ROI could be well worth the cost.
How does IDS software work?
IDS proactively monitors your network traffic for potential threats, alerting you to any risks or vulnerabilities. This works on a predictive model built over time, as the software independently learns to distinguish between safe, authorized connections and malicious activity.
IDS software typically operates in the following stages:
- Analyzing your network traffic for signs of suspicious behavior
- Comparing said behavior to a log of predefined patterns and activity that indicate a threat
- Alerting administrators once a threat is identified
With IDS in place, your security team can always be on guard for the latest intrusion tactics. They’ll also be able to address issues early on before these escalate into larger problems.
The long-term business benefits of IDS software
The primary benefit of IDS is its ability to automatically spot signs of abnormal network behavior. They then send real-time alerts to your administrators, helping them promptly address security issues as they come. This way, your business can stay one step ahead of possible threats and have ample time to mitigate further harm to your operations.
Instantly spot malicious activity
Investing in proper IDS software for your business not only offers you peace of mind but also plenty of cost savings in the long term. Here’s how they’re able to keep security expenses low while upholding high levels of productivity.
By maintaining this proactive security approach, you ensure a resilient cybersecurity environment within your business. Employees can work with uninterrupted productivity, helping keep profits high and downtime at a minimum.
Improve your compliance
Depending on your industry, implementing IDS may be mandatory. Data security regulations like HIPAA, for example, often require companies to implement security measures that protect the confidentiality and integrity of protected health information. IDS fits the bill for these security measures.
Additionally, you’ll also be avoiding the associated fines that arise from noncompliance by implementing IDS. While the upfront price of compliant security infrastructure may be hefty, the expenses of noncompliance are much greater. HIPAA noncompliance can cost $70,000 per violation and up to $1.5 million due to suboptimal security measures.
It’s therefore best to have the right solutions in place from the get-go, rather than relying on luck to get by and bearing the brunt of financial, reputational, and legal damage once your luck runs out.
Garner detailed network insights
IDS can offer plenty of valuable information on your network, helping you understand how your infrastructure is used and pinpoint any inefficient processes that could be improved. This could help you take the necessary steps to optimize your systems, minimizing wasted resources and reducing unnecessary expenses in the long run.
For example, your IDS may find that certain applications are using excessive bandwidth, prompting administrators to make adjustments as necessary. They may patch said applications, set them on low-priority, or adjust their data flow as needed, helping reduce the costs that come with network strain and server maintenance.
Boost security awareness
Finally, by continuously alerting your staff to potential threats, IDS software helps keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your team’s minds. Familiarizing them with common incidents and their subsequent protocols also makes them more likely to adhere to best practices. This could include maintaining proper password hygiene, avoiding obvious phishing scams, and ensuring their systems are updated with the latest patches
With your workers more knowledgeable in security, you’ll avoid suffering the costs of expensive disaster recovery and potential legal fees. Furthermore, an improved cybersecurity culture not only staves off online threats in the short term but also leads to a much more robust, streamlined, and coordinated security strategy for the long term.
Looking to improve your data safety? Our experts at outsourceIT offer a wide catalog of cybersecurity solutions, from data backup services to comprehensive network protection. Call us now to get started.
