Which technology helps in timely detection of unauthorized network access?

The choice of Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) is appropriate because IPS technologies are designed specifically to monitor network and system activities for malicious actions or policy violations. They serve as critical components in an organization’s security infrastructure, enabling the detection and response to unauthorized access attempts in real-time.

An IPS not only identifies potential threats but also takes active measures to block or prevent those threats from succeeding. It analyzes incoming traffic and can detect patterns or signatures that are indicative of known attacks, as well as employing behavior-based detection techniques to spot anomalies that suggest an intrusion is in progress. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining a secure network environment.

In contrast, while firewalls primarily control incoming and outgoing traffic based on predetermined security rules, they do not actively seek to detect or respond to intrusions. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are primarily focused on securing remote connections rather than detecting unauthorized access. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) technologies are designed to protect sensitive data from being misused or exfiltrated rather than to monitor network access. Thus, an IPS stands out as the technology most suited for timely detection of unauthorized network access.