The primary function of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and potential threats. IDS can detect unauthorized access attempts, malicious activities, or violations of established security policies. By analyzing patterns and behaviors in network traffic, these systems can generate alerts for administrators to address security breaches promptly. IDSs play a crucial role in overall cybersecurity strategies, helping organizations identify vulnerabilities, protect sensitive data, and mitigate risks associated with malicious attacks.