Which of the following describes a preventative device in cybersecurity?

A preventative device in cybersecurity is one that actively works to stop unauthorized access, attacks, or other forms of harmful activities before they can cause harm to the system or network. The correct answer refers to a Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System (HIPS), which is designed to monitor and analyze activities on a host or device and take immediate action to prevent any malicious actions that match a certain profile or rule set.

HIPS not only detects suspicious activity but also takes proactive measures to block it, making it a critical component in securing systems against intrusions. This capability places it firmly in the category of preventative devices, as it aims to stop threats before they can exploit vulnerabilities.

In contrast, options such as an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and a Host-Based Intrusion Detection System primarily focus on identifying suspicious activities and alerting administrators, rather than actively preventing such threats. Similarly, a Network Traffic Analyzer is used to analyze and monitor traffic patterns but does not take proactive steps to block harmful activities. Thus, the primary function of a Host-Based Intrusion Prevention System — to prevent attacks — is what distinguishes it as a preventative device in this context.