What is Host based intrusion detection? Difference between Host based Intrusion detection and Network based Intrusion detection .Host based intrusion detection involve setting up software on a system, which has to be monitored. The software makes use of log files or auditing agents of the system in the form of sources of data. A host-based system monitors as well as analyzes a system’s internals along with the network packets. This implies that host-based ID looks at your communication traffic and checks the integrity of the system files to keep an eye on suspicious processes.
Main differences between Network based and Host based intrusion detection
While selecting an intrusion detection system, you have to consider both host-based and network based intrusion detection system. In such case, you should compare both the systems, and then make your pick. The main difference between the two systems are like:
- Analysis: A host-based system analyzes logs and consists of information regarding the status of your system, whereas a network-based system analyzes a network traffic directly, thus checking every network event.
- Protection: Even though both the systems provide you protection on LAN, but while you are off your LAN, only a host-based system will offer protection.
- Versatility: On comparing both HIDS and NIDS, you will find host-based systems to be more versatile.
- Affordability: When compared to network-based systems, host-based systems can be more affordable, but only if you select the right product.
Some similarities
There are differences as well as similarities between the two systems. As far as the admin of both the systems is concerned, it is same from the perspective of a central admin. Both the intrusion detection system also calls for internet bandwidth for updating the pattern files. Both of them also come with logging facility, and both alert the user in case of an attack. However, like the similarities the list if difference is pretty long as well.
Other dissimilarities
Some of the other differences amid the two intrusion detection systems are:
- A host-based system does not requires specific training like NIDS
- HIDS does not utilize LAN bandwidth
- For a network-based system enabling of port spanning is required for scanning LAN traffic
- For cross platforms NIDS offers better adaptability as compared to a host-based system.
- Personal area networks are scanned by a host-based system only
- In case of packet rejection only network-based system will perform
- From the network security point of view, more expertise is required for setting up NIDS as compared to a host-based intrusion detection system.
The final verdict
Are you are still confused whether to choose host-based intrusion detection or network-based detection system? If yes, then just look at your requirements. For a complete solution, you should go for host-based intrusion detection, and for LAN NIDS is a better option. If you do not posses much specialist knowledge, then a host-based intrusion detection system is the best option for you. Once a host-intrusion detection system is set up on host machines, the whole setup is transformed into a versatile system, and another advantage of installing a host-based system is that it can be installed on various kinds of machines like notebook computers, workstations and servers.
