Background of the Study
In recent years, the prevalence of cyberattacks targeting universities has significantly increased, driven by the growing digitization of administrative and academic functions. Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, is not immune to such threats. To safeguard sensitive academic and personal data, universities rely heavily on Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) to detect and mitigate potential security breaches (Olayiwola & Yusuf, 2023).
IPS technology has evolved significantly, with various systems providing different levels of security by analyzing network traffic for suspicious activity, comparing it to known attack patterns, and blocking threats in real time (Adediran et al., 2024). However, the effectiveness of IPS can vary depending on the system's configuration, the sophistication of the threats, and the specific environment in which it operates. At Federal University, Lokoja, the adoption of IPS has been aimed at protecting academic records, administrative systems, and students' data from attacks like malware, phishing, and DoS attacks.
This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of different IPS technologies currently employed in Federal University, Lokoja, to evaluate their performance in terms of detection accuracy, response time, and overall effectiveness in preventing attacks.
Statement of the Problem
While Federal University, Lokoja, has implemented an IPS to secure its networks, the varying performance of different IPS solutions remains a key concern. The university faces difficulties in determining the most suitable IPS to handle emerging and sophisticated cyber threats. The current IPS solutions may not provide optimal protection against advanced persistent threats (APTs) or unknown vulnerabilities.
This study will evaluate and compare different IPS technologies, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in the context of the university’s network infrastructure, with a focus on improving the effectiveness of their intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the current IPS solutions deployed at Federal University, Lokoja.
To compare the performance of different IPS technologies in detecting and preventing network intrusions.
To recommend the most suitable IPS solution for enhancing the security posture of Federal University, Lokoja.
Research Questions
What are the key differences in the performance of various IPS technologies used at Federal University, Lokoja?
How effective are the current IPS solutions in detecting and mitigating cyber threats in the university’s network?
Which IPS solution offers the best protection against network intrusions at Federal University, Lokoja?
Significance of the Study
The findings of this study will provide insights into the effectiveness of current IPS systems at Federal University, Lokoja, and help guide future decisions regarding network security improvements. By identifying the best-performing IPS solutions, the university will enhance its protection against emerging cyber threats, ensuring a more secure academic environment for students and staff.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses exclusively on the IPS solutions deployed at Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State. It will not cover other forms of cybersecurity technologies or broader institutional infrastructure improvements.
Definitions of Terms
Intrusion Prevention System (IPS): A security technology designed to monitor network and system activities for malicious activity and automatically take action to block potential threats.
Advanced Persistent Threats (APT): Prolonged and targeted cyberattacks aimed at stealing sensitive data.
Detection Accuracy: The ability of an IPS to correctly identify and report malicious activity without producing excessive false positives.
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