Which system is essential for scanning traffic for threats and actively preventing them?

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is essential for scanning traffic for threats and actively preventing them because it operates by analyzing the data packets as they traverse the network. When the IPS detects malicious activity or potential threats, it can take immediate action to block or mitigate those threats in real-time. This proactive approach helps in maintaining the security of the network by not only identifying potential vulnerabilities but also responding to them before they can cause harm.

In contrast, an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) mainly focuses on monitoring and alerting users to possible intrusions but does not take action to prevent them. It serves as an essential security tool for detection but lacks the active defense capability of an IPS.

Network Access Control (NAC) is primarily concerned with enforcing security policies on devices attempting to access the network rather than actively scanning traffic for threats. While it contributes to the overall security posture, its function is distinct from threat detection and prevention.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) is a protocol used for securing communications over networks but does not itself scan for threats. Its purpose is to encrypt data in transit to protect it from eavesdropping and tampering rather than actively preventing threats from entering or moving within a network.

The key factor that distinguishes an IPS is its dual