What is a False Negative in the context of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)?

In the context of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), a False Negative refers to a situation where the system fails to generate an alert during an actual attack. This means that the IDS does not recognize the attack event occurring, leading to a lack of response or notification that could have allowed for timely intervention or remediation. Detecting attacks accurately is crucial for a security system, and when an attack goes undetected, it can result in significant consequences, such as data breaches or system compromises.

The concept of a False Negative is pivotal because it highlights a weakness in detection capabilities. It can occur due to various reasons, including insufficiently configured detection rules, an absence of signatures for specific attack types, or limitations within the IDS technology itself.

This contrasts with scenarios where alerts are generated for attacks that are not occurring, or where attempts to block potential attacks are successful, which would be perceived as false positives or successful defenses, respectively. Recognizing and addressing False Negatives is essential for enhancing the effectiveness of an IDS and improving overall network security strategies.