IBM has introduced Security Network Protection XGS 5000, a new intrusion protection system that helps clients protect against security threats, including that are posed by social media sites and malicious websites.

The new system offers clients visibility into exactly what applications are being used on the network, where users are going on the Web, with the ability to monitor and control this activity.

Monitoring and control features in the new system allows companies to improve security and reduce operational costs.

IBM Security Network Protection incorporates global threat intelligence from X-Force as well as a Web filtre database of over 15 billion URLs, allowing it to monitor and categorize web servers and applications to provide better protection.

Security Network Protection XGS 5000 is built upon the security features found in IBM Security Network Intrusion Prevention System.

With IBM Security Network Protection allows users to quickly discover which applications and Web sites are being accessed, identify misuse by any application, Website, and user as well as allows enforcement of security policies with granular, intelligent application-level controls.

It protects clients against "zero-day" exploits, by adding new levels of visibility and control over the network, applications, data and users, improving security by preventing misuse and identifying previously undetectable threats, the company said.

The visibility is increased via integration with IBM’s Advanced Threat Protection Platform, which utilises anomaly detection and event correlation capabilities to address complex attacks.

The application helps protect against network-based threats masked in common network traffic and prevents attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities at the network, host and application layers.

IBM Security’s Advanced Threat Protection Platform helps clients by providing protection against advanced threats, including Web application attacks and exploits hidden in files.

It also provides application awareness, monitoring and control with high level dashboards for drilling down into events and reporting.

The new release integrates with QRadar Security Intelligence Platform to provide insights including anomaly detection and event correlation.

IBM’s new system utilises intelligence related to Web applications, Websites,and non-Web applications, including Web application and Web site coverage with over 15 Billion URLs across 68 categories and support for 1000+ applications and actions.