What is a key characteristic of an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is specifically designed to actively monitor and analyze network traffic in real time to detect and prevent threats. One of the most defining features of an IPS is its capability to actively block malicious traffic before it can impact the network or systems. This proactive approach is fundamental to enhancing security posture, as it helps mitigate attacks like malware, unauthorized access attempts, and various forms of network abuse.

The active response to identified threats distinguishes an IPS from merely a monitoring system. While some systems may log or report on suspicious activities, the IPS takes immediate action by blocking the offending traffic, thus providing an essential layer of defense in modern network security architecture. This capability allows organizations to respond to threats in real-time, significantly reducing the potential for harm.