What is the main aim of an intrusion detection system (IDS)?

The primary goal of an intrusion detection system (IDS) is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and alert administrators about potential threats. IDS acts as a surveillance system that analyzes incoming and outgoing traffic patterns and identifies anomalies that might indicate malicious activity, such as attempted intrusions or unauthorized access attempts. When the IDS detects such activities, it generates alerts to inform network administrators, allowing them to respond swiftly to mitigate any potential threats.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the fundamental function of an IDS. While blocking traffic or decrypting communications may be features associated with different types of security measures, they do not characterize an IDS's purpose. An IDS does not actively block or alter traffic; instead, it focuses on detection and alerting. Additionally, cataloging network devices for asset management is a task more closely related to asset management systems rather than an IDS, which is primarily concerned with monitoring and analyzing traffic for security purposes.