What is the objective of intrusion prevention systems (IPS) in relation to firewalls?

The objective of intrusion prevention systems (IPS) in relation to firewalls is to actively block suspected intrusions in real-time. This means that an IPS is designed to monitor and inspect network traffic continuously, looking for patterns and behaviors that are indicative of potential threats or attacks. Upon identifying such threats, the IPS can take immediate action to block or prevent them from affecting the network or the devices connected to it. This real-time threat prevention adds a vital layer of security beyond what traditional firewalls can offer, which typically focus more on controlling access rather than actively intervening in potentially malicious activities.

In contrast, the other options outline different functionalities that do not align with the core purpose of an IPS. Allowing all incoming traffic would negate the protective role of any security system. Analyzing past traffic aligns more with intrusion detection systems (IDS), which monitor for threats post-event rather than acting in real-time. Providing user access authentication relates to user identity management, which is outside the primary goal of intrusion prevention systems. Therefore, focusing on real-time blocking of intrusions is essential to the effective functioning of IPS as part of an overall network security strategy.