What function do intrusion detection systems (IDS) serve?

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) are primarily designed to monitor network traffic and system activities for signs of malicious actions or policy violations. Their essential function is to alert administrators when potential security breaches occur. This proactive detection mechanism enables organizations to respond promptly to threats, thereby minimizing potential damage from intrusions, whether they result from external attacks or insider threats.

While data encryption, software patch management, and employee security training are significant components of a comprehensive security strategy, they do not fall under the specific functions of an IDS. Data encryption focuses on securing information through encoding, software patches are used for fixing vulnerabilities, and security training aims to educate employees about safeguarding information systems. In contrast, the role of an IDS is centered around surveillance and alerting, making its function critical for identifying and mitigating threats in real-time.