What is one of the primary purposes of incident detection systems?

The primary purpose of incident detection systems is to identify unauthorized access attempts or anomalies that could indicate a security incident. These systems monitor network traffic, system logs, and user activities to spot unusual behavior that deviates from established norms. By detecting such anomalies early, organizations can respond promptly to potential security threats, thereby minimizing damage and enhancing overall security posture.

While analyzing network performance is important for maintaining efficiency, it does not directly relate to incident detection. Similarly, while preventing malware is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, detection systems may not specifically prevent all malware; instead, they serve to identify when malware might be present. Backing up data is a critical practice for data recovery and business continuity but is not a function of incident detection systems. Thus, the focus is clearly on the detection of unauthorized access or anomalies, making it the correct choice.