Why is SSL inspection necessary for an IPS to detect threats in encrypted traffic?

SSL inspection is critical for an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) because it enables the system to detect and analyze encrypted threats. Many attacks are increasingly being conducted over encrypted channels to evade detection. Without SSL inspection, the IPS would be unable to examine the content of the encrypted traffic for malicious activity, leaving organizations vulnerable to sophisticated threats.

By decrypting the SSL traffic, the IPS can inspect the payloads for potential threats such as malware, unauthorized access attempts, or data exfiltration. This capability is essential in maintaining a robust security posture as it allows the IPS to fully understand and respond to the traffic flowing through the network, ensuring that malicious activities disguised within encryption are detected and mitigated effectively.

The other options, while relevant to network security, do not specifically address the fundamental role of SSL inspection in threat detection. For instance, verifying user identity, increasing network speed, or preventing access to restricted sites is not the primary purpose of SSL inspection in the context of detecting encrypted threats.