An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a type of security software or hardware that monitors network traffic or system activity for signs of unauthorized access, misuse, or malicious activity. The purpose of an IDS is to detect potential security breaches in real-time or near-real-time, allowing security teams to respond quickly and prevent or minimize the impact of an attack.
There are two main types of IDS: network-based and host-based. A network-based IDS monitors network traffic for suspicious patterns, anomalies, or known attack signatures, and alerts security teams if it detects any potential threats. A host-based IDS, on the other hand, monitors system activity on individual hosts or servers, such as file modifications, logins, and process execution, to identify any signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity.
IDS can use different detection methods, such as signature-based detection, which matches incoming network traffic or system activity against a database of known attack patterns, or anomaly-based detection, which identifies deviations from normal behavior or statistical baselines. IDS can also be configured to generate alerts or take automated actions, such as blocking traffic, quarantining a system, or disabling an account, based on the severity of the detected threat.
In summary, an IDS is a security tool that helps organizations detect potential security breaches by monitoring network traffic or system activity for signs of unauthorized access or malicious activity, and alerting security teams in real-time.