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

An intrusion detection system (IDS) is primarily used to monitor network traffic in order to identify potential security breaches or suspicious activity within a network. By analyzing the traffic patterns and behaviors, the IDS can detect anomalies that may indicate an attempted intrusion or a successful compromise. This monitoring capability allows organizations to respond quickly to security incidents, analyze attack patterns, and fortify their defenses.

While preventing attacks is desirable, it extends beyond the primary objective of an IDS, which focuses on detection rather than prevention. Authentication of users and encryption of data are important security measures, but they do not fall under the direct functionality of an IDS. Therefore, the monitoring of network traffic is the main function that underscores the importance of an IDS in maintaining network security.