CompTIA Security+ Practice Exam

A Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) primarily functions to monitor and analyze the activities occurring on individual endpoints, such as servers and workstations. Its main role is to detect and log any suspicious activity, which can include unauthorized access attempts, code changes, or system anomalies that may indicate a security breach or compromise.

By collecting data from various sources, including system logs, file integrity checks, and user activity, a HIDS can identify potential threats in real-time. This capability allows organizations to respond quickly to detected incidents, thus minimizing potential damage and improving overall security posture.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the primary function of a HIDS. For instance, preventing unauthorized access is primarily the role of firewalls and not HIDS. Additionally, while HIDS may indirectly contribute to application management by informing administrators of unusual behavior related to installations, it is not designed specifically for that purpose, nor does it focus on encrypting data files.