What is the primary purpose of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)?

The primary purpose of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. IDS plays a crucial role in network security by analyzing incoming and outgoing traffic for indicators of unauthorized access or anomalies that may indicate a security threat. By continuously monitoring the network, an IDS can detect potential intrusions, alert system administrators, and enable them to respond quickly to mitigate any risks.

In contrast, other options focus on different aspects of security management. For example, encrypting sensitive data is essential for protecting information in transit and at rest, but it does not serve the same monitoring function as an IDS. Performing regular software updates is vital for maintaining security against known vulnerabilities but is more about patch management than real-time threat detection. Lastly, creating secure user accounts involves establishing user identities and access controls, which is necessary for security but does not relate to the detection of intrusions on the network.