A Host-Based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) is a security solution that monitors and analyzes the activities on a specific computer or server. It checks for suspicious behavior, unauthorized access, and changes to system files, helping to identify potential security breaches. HIDS can provide alerts to administrators when it detects anomalies, allowing for a quick response to threats. Unlike network-based systems, HIDS focuses on individual hosts, making it effective for detecting attacks that bypass network defenses. It often uses logs and file integrity checks to assess the security status of the host, ensuring that any malicious activity is promptly addressed.