Intrusion detection systems used to be a must-have for technology security managers. But as threats to the network evolved, so did the tools that counter them. Today, in-house security experts are building defense systems with multiple components--detection and prevention tools, firewalls and fire doors--to ward off threats like worms, spyware, viruses and hacker attacks.

With that advanced mind-set come advanced tools. No longer are software and appliances simply sniffing out or stopping unwanted traffic; vendors today are integrating these capabilities into product suites as well as their network equipment.

Lead Story: Taking a New Role in Network Security
Intrusion detection systems aren't too common today as standalone security devices, but some loyal users say the technology shouldn't be taken for granted. But others believe detection is just one piece of the puzzle and that prevention is the key to protecting networks today.

Vendor Profiles:

Cisco Systems: Managing Expectations

IBM Internet Security Systems: Early Bird

Juniper Networks: Strong Support

Also:

Voice of Experience: Right on Track
Reuben Moretz rewrote security policy for Churchill Downs and bought tools that saved the racetrack operator $1.2 million.

3 Tips for Network Security Planning
An analyst who wrote the book on intrusion detection--literally--offers some key pointers on planning and evaluating detection and prevention systems.

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