What does an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) do?

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is primarily designed to monitor and analyze network traffic and system activities for signs of malicious behavior, attacks, or policy violations. It works by inspecting data packets, log files, and user activity to identify any anomalies or characteristics consistent with known attack patterns. When a potential threat is detected, an IDS typically generates alerts to notify administrators of the suspicious activity, allowing for timely response and investigation.

This monitoring capability is essential for organizations as it helps them understand their security posture and identify vulnerabilities or ongoing attacks. While an IDS is effective at detection, it does not take direct action to stop these threats. Instead, it serves as a critical tool in the overall security framework, complementing other security measures such as firewalls or Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) which may actively block or mitigate attacks.