Explain the role of SonicWall's Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS).

SonicWall's Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS) plays a vital role in network security by actively monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity and preventing potential intrusions in real-time. This proactive approach allows the IPS to detect and thwart threats before they can compromise network integrity or access sensitive data. By analyzing incoming and outgoing traffic for known patterns of malicious behavior, the IPS can identify vulnerabilities and enforce security policies to mitigate risks.

Real-time prevention is essential because it addresses threats immediately, thus minimizing the window of opportunity for attackers. While other options focus on aspects of security management—such as logging security events, providing user training, or functioning as a firewall—the primary function of the IPS is to maintain a secure environment through continuous surveillance and intervention against unauthorized access and exploitation attempts.