Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Practice Exam

What does a host intrusion detection system (HIDS) do?

1. Monitors inbound and outbound packets for suspicious activity

2. Divides data center networks into smaller segments

3. Establishes security protocols for DNS responses

4. Maps domain names to IP addresses

The correct answer is: Monitors inbound and outbound packets for suspicious activity

A host intrusion detection system (HIDS) is designed to monitor and analyze the activities occurring on a host or endpoint to detect suspicious behavior that could indicate potential threats or breaches. This includes the examination of both inbound and outbound packets to identify unauthorized access attempts, malware activity, or any other signs of compromise. The primary function of a HIDS is to provide real-time analysis and alerts regarding unusual patterns or activities that might threaten the security of the host system. It is crucial to note that while a HIDS focuses specifically on monitoring the behavior and integrity of an individual host, other systems like network intrusion detection systems (NIDS) emphasize network traffic analysis. HIDS, therefore, serves a vital role in a multi-layered security approach, focusing on the distinct, detailed behavior of computers and servers. In contrast, the other options relate to different networking and security functions that are not the primary focus of a HIDS. For example, dividing data center networks into smaller segments pertains to network segmentation strategies, which are more about architecture than host monitoring. Establishing security protocols for DNS responses and mapping domain names to IP addresses are associated with DNS security and resolution, which are unrelated to the role of an intrusion detection system on a host level.