What is the primary function of a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS)?

The primary function of a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) is to identify and alert on network traffic anomalies. NIDS operates by continuously monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities or patterns that may indicate a security threat or attack. This involves analyzing data packets moving across the network and comparing them against established baselines to detect any deviations that could signify unauthorized access attempts, malware infections, or other security events.

When a potential threat is identified, the NIDS generates alerts to notify administrators, enabling them to investigate further and respond appropriately to mitigate any risks to the network. This proactive approach helps in protecting the organization's network integrity and data security.

In contrast, monitoring individual host activities would be the function of a Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS), while performing risk assessments and managing user access controls are typically associated with broader security management practices rather than the specific function of NIDS.