IDS MC and Security Monitor

Closely related to the Cisco IDS MC is the Cisco Monitoring Center for Security, also known as the Security Monitor. Although the Security Monitor is a separate and optional product, it is often packaged with the IDS MC. While the Security Monitor's primary purpose is to receive alarms from the Sensors, the IDS MC's primary purpose is to administer and manage the sensors.

The Security Monitor provides the following functions:

• Event collection

• Event rules and notifications

• Real-time event viewing

• Reporting (scheduled and on-demand).