Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are specifically designed to monitor network traffic and system activities for signs of suspicious behavior or violations of security policies. Their primary role is to detect unauthorized access attempts, exploitation of vulnerabilities, and other potentially harmful activities that may compromise security.
In combining various techniques such as signature-based detection and anomaly-based detection, an IDS analyzes logs, traffic patterns, and system behaviors to identify threats. By focusing on suspicious activity and policy violations, the IDS can effectively alert administrators to potential security breaches, allowing for timely responses to mitigate risks. Therefore, the focus on monitoring these aspects is central to the function of an IDS and underscores its importance in maintaining an organization's cybersecurity posture.