What is a common application of a HIDS (Host-based Intrusion Detection System)?

A Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) is specifically designed to monitor and analyze the activities on a host or server, focusing on the system files and processes. The primary function of a HIDS is to detect suspicious activity by evaluating changes to system files, configurations, and logs which might indicate unauthorized access, tampering, or other malicious behavior.

This capability allows HIDS to deliver immediate alerts to security administrators when there are anomalies or unauthorized modifications. By analyzing system files, HIDS can effectively identify potential threats that may not be visible through network monitoring alone, making it a critical tool in comprehensive security strategies.

In contrast, while monitoring network traffic is a key task for network-based intrusion detection systems, it does not fit the specific function of HIDS. Running backup procedures and controlling user access pertain more to data management and user privilege mechanisms than to the detection of intrusions within the host, further solidifying why analyzing system files for suspicious activity is the primary application of HIDS.