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

The primary function of an intrusion detection system (IDS) is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. An IDS is designed to analyze the traffic passing through a network and identify potentially malicious behavior or anomalies that could indicate an intrusion or security breach. It does this by comparing the traffic it observes against a database of known threats or by using heuristics and anomaly detection techniques to identify patterns that suggest malicious intent.

While prevention of unauthorized access, encryption of data, and removal of malware are critical components of a broader cybersecurity strategy, they are not the core function of an IDS. The IDS specifically focuses on detection rather than prevention or remediation, making its role essential for alerting security teams to potential security incidents, allowing for timely investigation and response. Furthermore, an IDS can provide valuable insights into existing network vulnerabilities and help improve overall security posture by enhancing awareness of network activities.