What is the primary goal of an intrusion detection system (IDS)?

The primary goal of an intrusion detection system (IDS) is to detect and alert on possible intrusions. An IDS continuously monitors network traffic and system activities for any suspicious behavior that may indicate a security breach, such as malware infections, unauthorized access attempts, or other malicious activities. When potential threats are identified, the system generates alerts that notify administrators, enabling them to respond to incidents swiftly and effectively.

An IDS is essential for enhancing an organization's security posture because it helps identify vulnerabilities and attack patterns, allowing security teams to take proactive measures to protect their assets. While some might confuse it with systems designed to actively prevent intrusions, the key function of an IDS is its focus on detection and alerting rather than stopping threats or taking corrective action on its own.

The other options, while relevant to cybersecurity, do not encompass the primary purpose of an IDS. Stopping unauthorized access is typically handled by intrusion prevention systems (IPS) or firewalls. Backing up system data is a function related to data recovery and management, not intrusion detection. Increasing system performance is not a goal associated with an IDS, as its primary focus is security monitoring rather than enhancing efficiency.