Which security system scans traffic for malicious activity and takes action to stop it?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is designed to detect and respond to malicious traffic on a network. It actively monitors network traffic for suspicious patterns and signs of attacks. Unlike an Intrusion Detection System (IDS), which only alerts administrators to potential threats, an IPS takes proactive measures to block or mitigate those threats in real-time.

When a potential threat is identified, the IPS can automatically take actions such as dropping malicious packets, blocking IP addresses, or terminating sessions to prevent the attack from affecting the system. This capability to not just detect but also respond to attacks defines the functionality of an IPS, making it an essential component of a robust cybersecurity strategy.

In contrast, firewalls primarily control access to and from a network but do not actively scan for malicious activities within that traffic. Wireless IDS systems primarily focus on monitoring wireless network activities and generating alerts, but they do not take action to stop attacks directly. Network Access Control (NAC) is designed to enforce security policies on devices that attempt to access the network but does not actively scan traffic for malicious activity. Thus, the IPS is the best choice as it both identifies and takes action against potential threats.