What does an intrusion detection system (IDS) do?

An intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a crucial role in network security by continuously monitoring network traffic to identify suspicious activity and potential threats. It analyzes data packets traveling through the network, looking for patterns or signatures that signify an intrusion attempt or malicious behavior. When it detects such activity, the IDS can generate alerts for administrators, providing them with the necessary information to investigate and respond to potential security breaches. This proactive approach helps organizations maintain the integrity and security of their systems by identifying threats before they can cause significant harm.

The other options focus on different aspects of security and data protection. Securing user passwords is an important security measure but does not encompass the function of an IDS. Encrypting sensitive files protects data at rest, but it does not actively monitor threats. Performing regular system backups is essential for data recovery but is unrelated to intrusion detection and response processes. Each of these functions serves a unique purpose within an overall security strategy, but the core capability of an IDS is specifically centered on monitoring for and detecting potential intrusions.