What is the primary role of an intrusion detection system (IDS)?

The primary role of an intrusion detection system (IDS) is to monitor traffic for suspicious activities. An IDS analyzes network traffic and system activities to identify patterns that may indicate malicious behavior, such as attempts to exploit vulnerabilities or unauthorized access attempts. By continuously monitoring network traffic, the IDS can detect anomalies and alert administrators to potential security incidents, allowing for a quicker response to mitigate threats.

This monitoring capability makes IDS essential in maintaining the security posture of an organization. It enables security personnel to be proactive in identifying and addressing security breaches before they can result in significant damage. While some security measures involve blocking unauthorized access or improving network performance, IDS specifically focuses on the detection of threats rather than taking direct actions against them.