Which system is responsible for monitoring network traffic and handling suspicious activity?

The Network Intrusion Detection/Prevention System (NIDS/NIPS) is specifically designed to monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and security threats. It functions by analyzing incoming and outgoing packets to identify patterns that may indicate malicious behavior, such as attempts to exploit vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, or other types of attacks.

In the context of cybersecurity, NIDS detects potential threats based on predefined signatures or by recognizing anomalous behavior that deviates from normal traffic patterns. When a threat is detected, the NIPS can take further action, such as blocking the malicious traffic or alerting system administrators, thereby offering a proactive layer of security.

Unlike a Network Traffic Analyzer, which focuses on analyzing traffic patterns for performance optimization and may not specifically target security threats, or the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), which is used primarily for network management and monitoring of devices like routers and switches, the NIDS/NIPS serves a critical role in actively defending the network against potential intrusions. Similarly, the term "Network Activity Monitor" can refer more broadly to tools that track overall network usage without necessarily focusing on identifying and preventing intrusions.

Therefore, the ability of the NIDS/NIPS to continuously monitor network traffic for threats and respond accordingly makes it the appropriate choice