The main purpose of an intrusion detection system (IDS) is to monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and potential security breaches. IDS solutions analyze patterns of behavior to detect unauthorized access, misuse of information, and policy violations in real-time. When threats are identified, the system can alert system administrators to take action, minimizing potential damage. By implementing an IDS, organizations enhance their cybersecurity posture, ensuring greater protection of their sensitive data and systems from evolving threats.