CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

What information does the network intrusion detection system (NIDS) primarily provide?

1. Detection of performance issues

2. Identification of unauthorized access attempts

3. Data backup protocols

4. Comprehensive user analytics

The correct answer is: Identification of unauthorized access attempts

The primary function of a network intrusion detection system (NIDS) is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and potential threats, specifically focusing on identifying unauthorized access attempts. NIDS works by analyzing incoming and outgoing traffic in real-time, using signatures and heuristics to detect patterns that indicate possible intrusions, such as abnormal access behavior or known malicious activity. This capability is crucial for maintaining network security, as it allows organizations to respond quickly to potential breaches and safeguard sensitive information. While other systems may be involved in performance monitoring, data management, or user analytics, these functions do not fall within the core scope of NIDS operations, which is strictly related to identifying potential threats and unauthorized accesses within a network environment.