INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEM (IDS) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Railways will install an optical fiber-based intrusion detection system (IDS) along a 33-km elephant-infested stretch between Kottekkad and Madukkarai to prevent elephant deaths on the tracks.

 Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

• About: An IDS observes network traffic for malicious transactions and sends immediate alerts when it is observed.

o It is software that checks a network or system for malicious activities or policy violations.

• Types of IDS: Network Intrusion Detection System

o Host Intrusion Detection System

o Protocol-Based Intrusion Detection System

o Application Protocol-Based Intrusion Detection System

o Hybrid-Based Intrusion Detectio

• Alert Mechanism: Each illegal activity or violation is often recorded either centrally using an SIEM system or notified to an administration.
• Security Role: IDS monitors a network or system for malicious activity and protects a computer network from unauthorized access from users, including perhaps insiders.
• Learning Task: The intrusion detector learning task is to build a predictive model capable of distinguishing between ‘bad connections’ (intrusion/attacks) and ‘good (normal) connections’.
• Functionality of IDS: The optical fiber network will detect the presence of animals through vibrations, sending real-time alerts to the intrusion monitoring cell, stationmasters, and loco pilots.