True or False: The purpose of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) is only to alert personnel about intrusions.

The statement that the purpose of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) is only to alert personnel about intrusions is false. While alerting is indeed a critical function of IDS, their role extends beyond mere notification. IDS are designed to monitor network traffic or activities and analyze them for suspicious behavior or policy violations, which includes logging events for further analysis and reporting.

This logging capability allows organizations to create records of intrusions or attempted breaches, which can be useful for forensic investigations and refining security measures. Additionally, some IDS can provide information that can help in identifying vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security posture. They can also trigger automated responses or facilitate a coordinated defense, highlighting the multifaceted purpose of these systems in a comprehensive security strategy.

This understanding emphasizes the need for IDS to function as a proactive part of a security infrastructure, rather than being solely reactionary in their capabilities.