What is the primary function of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

What is the primary function of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

• A. It prevents intrusions by itself.
• B. It logs all user activity for compliance only.
• C. It monitors network traffic to detect signs of malicious activity and policy violations.
• D. It encrypts data in transit.

Answer: (C)

Intrusion Detection System focuses on monitoring network traffic and system activities to detect signs of malicious behavior or policy violations. It continuously analyzes packets and events, using signature-based checks for known attacks and anomaly-based checks to spot unusual activity. When a potential threat is detected, it raises alerts and logs details for the security team to investigate. It's a detection tool, not a blocker—unlike an Intrusion Prevention System or firewall, which can automatically block traffic. Encrypting data and logging for compliance are separate functions and not the IDS’s primary role.

Intrusion Detection System focuses on monitoring network traffic and system activities to detect signs of malicious behavior or policy violations. It continuously analyzes packets and events, using signature-based checks for known attacks and anomaly-based checks to spot unusual activity. When a potential threat is detected, it raises alerts and logs details for the security team to investigate. It's a detection tool, not a blocker—unlike an Intrusion Prevention System or firewall, which can automatically block traffic. Encrypting data and logging for compliance are separate functions and not the IDS’s primary role.