An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) is a type of security system that is designed to detect and prevent unauthorized access or attacks on a network or system. It works by monitoring network traffic and analyzing it for signs of potential threats, such as malware, hacking attempts, and unauthorized access.

If an IPS detects a potential threat, it can take a number of actions to prevent the threat from being realized. These actions may include blocking the traffic, quarantining the traffic, or alerting an administrator.

IPSs are an important part of a comprehensive security strategy, as they can help to protect against a wide range of threats, including malware, hacking attempts, and unauthorized access. They can be deployed as hardware appliances, software solutions, or cloud-based services, and can be used to protect networks of all sizes, from small business networks to large enterprise networks.