Final answer:
An intrusion prevention system (b) actively blocks viruses and other threats, providing a defense for a protected network.
Step-by-step explanation:
A device that works to prevent an attack by blocking viruses, malformed packets, and other threats from getting into the protected network is known as a intrusion prevention system (b). Unlike solely detection systems, an intrusion prevention system not only detects potential threats but also takes action to block them before they can enter the network, thereby providing an active line of defense against a variety of cyber threats.