IPS creates "trip-lines" to sound an alarm when your network is in danger
Think back to one of those spy movies where laser sensors surround a protected area - like where a rare jewel is stored. Even if the crook gets into the building, the alarm still goes off, and they get caught red-handed.
That's what an Intrusion Prevention System does for your network. It creates virtual "trip-lines" to catch threatening traffic. Even if an intruder makes it past your firewall or other network defense systems, the IPS sensor catches them, sounds an alarm, and even blocks their movement through your network.
IPS recognizes and stops most types of attacks. When your IPS identifies an attack's signature, it alerts you that your network could be in danger. It also watches for other danger signals, including unexpected activity from specific computers on the network, or protocols modified to work in non-standard ways. Because every network is different, you can custom configure your IPS to minimize false-positive alarms, while still blocking rogue traffic.
Exam-Pack: 642-533 IPS will show you how to deploy, configure and maintain IPS sensors on your corporate network. This includes using both the GUI and command line administration environments for setting up and maintaining your IPS. You'll even learn how to configure it to manage access lists on all your network devices. This allows you to setup on-the-fly access list configuration on other Cisco devices to block the intruder's IP address from reaching the network.
The 5 video updates include lots of exciting new IPS features, such as Self-Defending Network and Defense in Depth. After completing this IPS video series -- including the updates -- you'll provide your organization with:

improved IT management

timely recognition of suspicious activity

greater network uptime

better protected corporate assets

easier enforcement of company-wide security policies. Exam-Prep for Cisco IPS exam as part of CCSP Certification
In addition to giving you real-world skills for setting up an IPS sensor to protect your network, Exam-Pack 642-533 IPS maps to exam objectives for Cisco's 642-533 exam on securing networks using Intrusion Prevention Systems. This exam is part of the CCSP and Cisco IPS Specialist certification tracks.
Note:: Jeremy Cioara's Cisco Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) video series now includes 5 video updates by Michael Shannon. The combined series prepares you for Cisco's 642-533 certification exam. It replaces Cisco exam 642-532, which was retired in January 2008.
Prerequisites
A thorough understanding of Cisco networking such as a CCNA certification or equivalent knowledge is recommended before viewing these videos.
Cisco CCSP - Exam-Pack: 642-532 IPS Contains:
- The Areas of Attack: Network Security Overview
- How IPS Can Help Your Network
- Understanding and Using the IPS Command Line Interface
- Understanding and Using IPS Device Manager
- IPS Sensor Basic Configuration
- IPS Signatures: Understanding Signatures and Alerts, Part 1
- IPS Signatures: Understanding Signatures and Alerts, Part 2
- IPS Signatures: Signature Engines, Part 1
- IPS Signatures: Signature Engines, Part 2
- IPS Signatures: Configuring Signature Parameters
- IPS Signatures: Tuning Signatures
- IPS Signatures: Creating Custom Signatures
- IPS Sensor Advanced Configuration: IPS Sensor Tuning
- IPS Sensor Advanced Configuration: Event Actions
- Integrating IPS with Other Cisco Devices
- IPS Maintenance and Monitoring: System-Level Functions
- IPS Maintenance and Monitoring: Keeping Tabs on Your Sensor
- Cisco's IDS Network Module for Routers
- Cisco's IDS Network Module for 6500 Switches
- The Introduction to IPS Update Series
- New Features, Products, and Concepts
- IPS Update Part 2
- IPS IOS 6.0 Risk Ratings Components
- Anomaly Detection (AD)
- Information Security Program Management (Part 2)
P.S. - Saying "That'll never happen to ME!" doesn't guarantee it. Sure, most networks aren't glaring targets for hackers, and the chances are slim you'll be attacked. But the threat is real - and even though your company may not be a big target, your server space and bandwidth could be. (Trainer Jeremy Cioara explains this from personal experience in a free video from this series.) Make sure you're protected.
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