ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
A security analyst wants to detect malicious traffic on the network without affecting performance. Which type of device should be deployed?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
IDS
An Intrusion Detection System (IDS) passively monitors traffic and generates alerts, without blocking traffic. An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is inline and can block, but may introduce latency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
IDS
Why this is correct
IDS passively monitors and alerts without affecting performance.
- ✗
Honeypot
Why it's wrong here
Honeypot is a decoy system, not for passive detection of all traffic.
- ✗
IPS
Why it's wrong here
IPS is inline and can block traffic, potentially affecting performance.
- ✗
Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Firewall filters traffic but may affect performance if rules are complex.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
IPS
An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a network security device that monitors traffic in real time and automatically blocks threats before they reach your systems.
Key term
IDS
An IDS is a security system that monitors network or system traffic for suspicious activity and alerts administrators to potential threats, but does not actively block them.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CC exam.