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

An intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a crucial role in cybersecurity by monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities or policy violations. The primary function of an IDS is to analyze data flow in real-time or through log analysis, identifying patterns that may indicate a security breach or an attempt to compromise data and integrity. When the IDS detects such anomalies, it can alert administrators, allowing them to take appropriate action to mitigate potential threats.

This active monitoring is essential for maintaining the security of networks, as it helps in the early detection of potential attacks, such as unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, or denial of service attacks. The timely alerts provided by an IDS can significantly enhance an organization's ability to respond to and recover from security incidents.