What is an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) designed to do?

An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is primarily designed to sense unauthorized access attempts and detect suspicious activity within a network or on individual devices. It operates by monitoring traffic and system activities for signs of intrusion or malicious behavior. When an IDS identifies such activity, it generates alerts for system administrators to review and respond to potential threats.

In contrast to other choices, an IDS does not block traffic or manage network resources, which are functions associated with Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) or other network management tools. Additionally, encryption of data in transit is a security measure aimed at protecting data confidentiality, rather than detecting intrusions. An IDS plays a crucial role in enhancing security by providing alerts about potential vulnerabilities or breaches, allowing organizations to respond proactively to potential threats.