What is a Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) and what does it do?

What is a Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS) and what does it do?

• A. A cloud-based service that filters email.
• B. A VPN client that provides remote access.
• C. Pieces of specialized software installed on the endpoint that detects, logs, and blocks.
• D. A hardware firewall appliance.

Answer: (C)

Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System is specialized software installed on the endpoint that monitors the device for signs of intrusion and takes action in real time. It watches for suspicious behavior—such as unusual process activity, unauthorized file or registry changes, or risky network actions—and can log these events and automatically block or quarantine the offending activity to prevent an attack. This host-level protection operates on individual machines, complementing network security, and is distinct from cloud services, VPN clients, or hardware firewall appliances.

Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System is specialized software installed on the endpoint that monitors the device for signs of intrusion and takes action in real time. It watches for suspicious behavior—such as unusual process activity, unauthorized file or registry changes, or risky network actions—and can log these events and automatically block or quarantine the offending activity to prevent an attack. This host-level protection operates on individual machines, complementing network security, and is distinct from cloud services, VPN clients, or hardware firewall appliances.