Beyond Traditional Defenses: Integrating IDS and NDR for Improved Detection Capabilities

AI-powered Network Detection and Response (NDR) solutions have become a staple for identifying the subtle indicators of unknown threats, a crucial element in the constant battle against cyberattacks. While NDR excels in unveiling the shadows of the unfamiliar, it is the traditional signature-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) enabling security teams to maximize protection and facilitate targeted responses, particularly when confronting well-known malware. In this article, we delve into the distinct benefits of both AI-driven NDR and conventional approaches. We will also unravel compelling reasons why the integration of these technologies are strategic imperatives in assisting to fortify cybersecurity defenses. 

What Is an AI-based NDR? 

AI-based Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems have been revolutionizing cybersecurity for about 20 years. NDR systems leverage sophisticated algorithms to alert users about anomalies and changes of standard patterns within network traffic. These systems use mathematical models to calculate probabilities of unusual activities, effectively differentiating between normal operations and potential threats. NDR systems provide a dynamic defense mechanism by continuously analyzing network patterns and searching for suspicious behaviors. Operating within the network, NDR systems identify and respond to various cyber threats, ranging from external attacks to subtle insider concerns. Today, NDR systems are essential for detecting the initial stages of attacks, especially those overlooked by traditional solutions. 

What Is an IDS? 

Signature-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) solutions are a foundational type of cybersecurity technology that operates by examining network traffic and comparing it against a database of known threat signatures. These can include specific patterns or sequences of data known to be indicative of malicious activity. These signatures could include byte sequences in network packets, known malicious instruction sequences or behavior patterns. When the IDS detects a match, it triggers an alert, indicating a potential security threat. This method is highly effective at identifying and mitigating known threats and relies on regular updates of its signature database to stay current with emerging issues. However, its reliance on pre-defined signatures means it is less effective against newer, unknown threats or sophisticated attacks designed to evade detection. 

Operational Benefits of Integrating NDR and IDS 

Integrating NDR with signature-based IDS offers key advantages for cybersecurity operations. One of the primary benefits is expanded network coverage. Traditional IDS systems focus on the network perimeter and external traffic, but the integrated deployment with NDR expands its detection capabilities to the larger network, including east-west traffic. This allows for more in-depth monitoring and dramatically enhances security coverage. Another operational benefit is the improved visibility in cloud environments. As cloud adoption increases, the integration of NDR with IDS brings signature-based detection techniques to cloud services, equalizing security postures across hybrid environments. Additionally, the integration offers robust support and maintenance advantages. For instance, the use of Suricata (an open-source intrusion detection engine) within a commercial NDR solution allows organizations to leverage its advanced detection capabilities without  managing independent open-source systems. 

Enhanced Detection and Response Capabilities 

The combination of NDR and IDS technologies significantly enhances detection and response capabilities. This integration is particularly effective against insider threats, introducing the IDS techniques (traditionally externally focused) to the internal network thanks to NDR east-west network visibility. This is a crucial advancement in detecting and mitigating often elusive and damaging insider threats. Furthermore, the fusion of these technologies broadens the overall detection capability, enabling the recognition of a wider range of known and unknown threats. These advanced detection types are further enhanced by attack-identification capabilities, such as NDR's ability to pick up unknown indicators of compromise and IDS's ability to detect specific types of malicious code. This precision is vital for understanding the nature of threats and strategizing the appropriate defense responses. Lastly, the integration allows for more confident responses to threats. With a broader detection range and more precise identification, security teams can minimize potential damage and efficiently contain threats by carrying out more targeted remedial actions. This lowers the impact on unaffected systems and users. 

The Importance of NDR 

The importance of NDR in modern cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Traditional security measures like firewalls, deployed at the network perimeter, primarily guard against external threats, leaving gaps in the defense against more sophisticated, internal attacks. Similarly, Endpoint and Detection Response (EDR) systems, while effective for certain devices, often fail to cover the full spectrum of network-connected equipment, such as BYOD or specialized industrial, ephemeral systems, printers, network infrastructure components or surveillance cameras. It is not uncommon for EDR to cover only about 50% of assets. 

These limitations highlight the crucial role of NDR, which helps conduct more thorough in-network monitoring and responses for these devices.  

NDR provides a more holistic view of the network, helping detect anomalies and threats that often bypass other security layers. Moreover, in the realm of cybersecurity,  NDR stands as the initial line of defense when certain preventative measures fail. It enables organizations to swiftly detect, analyze and respond to threats. In doing so, it helps alleviate the impact of breaches while maintaining the integrity of the network and business continuity. It is essential to quickly identify and counteract threats post-breach, not just for mitigating immediate risks but also for strengthening long-term security postures. 

The Convergence of AI-NDR and Signature-Based IDS as the Step in Cybersecurity 

In conclusion, the integration of AI-powered NDR and traditional signature-based IDS marks a transformative shift in cybersecurity strategy. This article highlights the complementary strengths of these technologies. While NDR is helpful in detecting and responding to unknown, subtle threats, IDS provides efficacy in confronting known malware. The fusion of these systems broadens the scope of threat detection, helping to cover both known and unknown threats while helping to enhance the precision in attack identification and response. This strategic integration is not merely a technological upgrade but a necessary evolution in cybersecurity defenses. It empowers security teams with greater network coverage, including cloud environments and equips them with the tools for faster, more targeted responses to a wide array of threats. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the interaction between NDR and IDS emerges as a helpful component in building a resilient, dynamic defense mechanism, while strengthening security posture in the face of evolving digital threats.