Abstract: Improved techniques are disclosed for use in an intrusion prevention system or the like. For example, a method comprises the following steps performed by a computing element of a network. A packet of a flow is received, the flow comprising a plurality of packets, wherein the plurality of packets represents data in the network. A network intrusion analysis cost-benefit value is determined representing a benefit for analyzing the received packet for intrusions in relation to a cost for analyzing the received packet for intrusions. The method compares the network intrusion analysis cost-benefit value to a network intrusion analysis cost-benefit threshold to determine whether analyzing the received packet for intrusions before forwarding the received packet is warranted.

Abstract: Intrusion protection. A first packet en route to a first destination is received. A first value representing a benefit for analyzing the first packet for intrusions in relation to a cost for analyzing the first packet for intrusions is automatically determined. An automatic determination is made that the first value is sufficiently high to warrant an analysis of the first packet for intrusions, and in response, the first packet is analyzed for intrusions. If the analysis of the first packet for intrusions indicates an intrusion, the first packet is discarded without forwarding the first packet to the first destination. A second packet en route to a second destination is received. A second value representing a benefit for analyzing the second packet for intrusions in relation to a cost for analyzing the second packet for intrusions is automatically determined.

Abstract: Improved techniques are disclosed for use in an intrusion prevention system or the like. For example, a method comprises the following steps performed by a computing element of a network. A packet of a flow is received, the flow comprising a plurality of packets, wherein the plurality of packets represents data in the network. A network intrusion analysis cost-benefit value is determined representing a benefit for analyzing the received packet for intrusions in relation to a cost for analyzing the received packet for intrusions. The method compares the network intrusion analysis cost-benefit value to a network intrusion analysis cost-benefit threshold to determine whether analyzing the received packet for intrusions before forwarding the received packet is warranted.