CyberGuard dictionary / Security Technologies
Intrusion Detection System
Also known as IDS
A technology that monitors activity and alerts on signs of potential intrusion.
In simple terms
An IDS watches traffic or systems and warns when it sees suspicious behavior.
Technical explanation
Network and host sensors analyze events using signatures, anomalies, or rules; an alert still needs investigation.
An IDS observes activity and raises alerts but generally does not block traffic by itself. Its effectiveness depends on placement, visibility into relevant protocols, tuning, and investigation.
Examples in practice
A sensor alerts staff when a server receives a known attack pattern.
A network sensor flags repeated login attempts against a server. The analyst checks authentication logs to distinguish a scheduled test from an active attack.
Why it matters
Detection adds visibility but does not automatically block or resolve an incident.
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Sources and further reading
Published 2026-10-15 · Last updated 2026-10-15 · CyberGuard editorial content. Source links provide context; they do not imply endorsement.