Which method can IPS Sensors use to identify malicious traffic?

Heuristic analysis is a method used by Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to identify malicious traffic by examining the behavior and characteristics of network traffic rather than relying solely on known signatures of threats. This approach enables IPS sensors to detect new and unknown vulnerabilities based on specific patterns, anomalies, or behaviors that suggest malicious intent. By leveraging heuristic techniques, such as analyzing the frequency and volume of requests, the timing of packets, and other traffic behaviors, an IPS can identify potential threats that do not match existing signatures.

This proactive method is crucial in modern cybersecurity, as it helps in detecting zero-day attacks or sophisticated threats that would otherwise be overlooked by signature-based detection methods. The ability to recognize suspicious patterns allows organizations to respond to and mitigate threats in real-time more effectively.

Other methods mentioned, like packet filtering techniques, focus mainly on allowing or blocking traffic based on predefined rules and do not provide the in-depth analysis necessary to identify more complex malicious traffic. Bandwidth throttling is primarily used for managing network traffic load rather than detecting threats. VPN tunneling relates to creating secure connections but does not involve intrusion detection or prevention.