An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is a security utility designed to observe network traffic and system events, detecting any indications of unauthorized access, misuse, or malicious activities. It detects and alerts administrators about potential security incidents.
An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is an advanced version of an IDS that not only detects but also takes action to prevent malicious activities. It can automatically block or modify network traffic in real-time to mitigate potential threats.
IDS and IPS play crucial roles in network security by providing proactive monitoring and protection against unauthorized activities and intrusions.