What is the role of an intrusion detection system (IDS) in network security?

An intrusion detection system (IDS) plays a crucial role in network security by monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities and potential threats. It analyzes inbound and outbound traffic patterns and can identify anomalies that may indicate malicious activities such as unauthorized access attempts, misuse of sensitive data, or other security breaches.

The primary function of an IDS is to detect unusual behavior or known attack signatures and to alert network administrators, allowing them to take appropriate actions to mitigate any potential threats. This includes logging incidents for further analysis and potentially triggering additional security measures. Unlike a firewall, which primarily controls traffic according to specified rules, an IDS focuses specifically on monitoring and alerting, making option B the correct choice.

Other options, such as generating network traffic reports or blocking connections, do not encapsulate the core function of an IDS. While generating reports can be a feature of an IDS, it is not its primary purpose. Blocking incoming connections and providing firewall protections are functions associated with firewalls, which have different operational roles compared to an IDS.