What does an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) do?

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is designed to monitor network traffic for patterns or behavior that may indicate unauthorized access or malicious activity. Its primary function is to analyze data packets as they traverse the network to identify abnormalities, potential breaches, or attacks targeting the system or data. When suspicious activity is detected, the IDS generates alerts to notify system administrators, allowing them to take appropriate actions to mitigate any potential threats.

This proactive monitoring capability is essential for maintaining security and ensures that organizations are aware of potential vulnerabilities in real time. An IDS does not actively block traffic or make alterations to the network; instead, it serves as a surveillance tool, presenting information that helps in the analysis of security incidents and improving security posture.

Other options represent functionalities that are not characteristic of an IDS. For instance, blocking unauthorized access attempts automatically is more aligned with Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), while encrypting data in transit pertains to safeguarding the confidentiality of information rather than monitoring for suspicious activity. Regular backups are crucial for data recovery, but they do not involve the real-time monitoring and alerting that an IDS provides.