A method of forming a virtual intrusion detection system includes the step of positioning a set of sensors in a network environment, each sensor supporting multiple logical traffic paths. The method also includes the step of providing a set of sensor management systems corresponding to the set of sensors. This set of sensor management systems enforces a set of virtual intrusion detection systems, wherein each virtual intrusion detection system corresponds to a predetermined logical traffic path through the set of sensors, each virtual detection system providing sensor traffic information solely to authorized parties.