What role does an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) perform in network security?

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) primarily focuses on monitoring network traffic to identify potential threats and suspicious activities. By analyzing data packets sent over the network, the IDS can detect anomalies that may indicate a security breach or any unauthorized access attempts. This involves looking for known patterns of attacks, unusual behavior, or deviations from normal network activity.

While an IDS provides valuable insights and alerts about possible intrusions, it does not actively block threats, which distinguishes it from an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) that is designed to stop intrusions in real-time. Similarly, the IDS does not engage in encrypting data, which is a function related to confidentiality and integrity of communication. Additionally, managing user access falls under identity and access management (IAM), not the primary function of an IDS. Therefore, monitoring network traffic is the essential role that an IDS plays in maintaining network security.