What is the primary purpose of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

The primary purpose of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is to detect unauthorized access or anomalies within a network. IDS functions by monitoring network traffic and system activities for signs of security breaches, policy violations, or potential threats. When suspicious behavior is detected, the IDS generates alerts to notify security personnel, enabling them to take action accordingly. This proactive approach to security helps organizations identify and respond to threats in real-time, enhancing their overall cybersecurity posture.

While preventing unauthorized access is crucial, that function is typically associated with Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) or firewalls rather than IDS. Monitoring employees' internet usage pertains more to compliance and employee monitoring tools. Similarly, encrypting data packets falls under the domain of data protection and secure communication technologies, which is not the primary function of an IDS.