An intrusion prevention system (IPS) is a network security technology designed to monitor and analyze network traffic for suspicious activities. It identifies potential threats and takes action to block or prevent them in real-time. By examining data packets, an IPS can detect known attack patterns and anomalies, helping to protect systems from unauthorized access and cyber threats. IPS solutions can be deployed as hardware or software and are often integrated with other security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems (IDS). They play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information within an organization's network.