An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a security technology designed to monitor networks and systems for malicious activities or policy violations. IDS analyzes traffic patterns and behaviors to detect potential threats, generating alerts for security teams. It can be categorized into two main types: network-based (NIDS), which monitors traffic on networks, and host-based (HIDS), which checks the integrity of individual devices. By identifying and responding to unauthorized access attempts or anomalies, IDS plays a critical role in cybersecurity, helping organizations to safeguard sensitive information and prevent breaches.