Use this checklist to gather all of the information you will need before you purchase an IDS/IPS by asking yourself key questions about your current network environment and business needs. These questions will guide you through the most pertinent aspects of your business—from the architecture of your network to your cryptography requirements—making your business requirements clear and allowing you to assess trade-offs, prepare for future possibilities and effectively negotiate.

Questions in this white paper:

• Are there any non-security systems, such as a network management system, that need to be integrated with the IDPS device?
• What types of threats—from insiders and from intruders—do you need to the IDPS to protect against?
• Do you need to monitor user behavior and network usage for violations of acceptable use policies or other non-security reasons?
• Do your organization’s audit requirements specify any functions that must be provided by an IDPS device?