You are assigned to assess the security posture of a client's network. During the initial phase, you decide to monitor the network traffic to identify potential data leakage or unsecured protocols in use. What is the most appropriate method to begin capturing network traffic without being detected by the client's network intrusion detection system?
Employ a passive network tap to mirror the data passing through without injecting traffic.
Use port mirroring by configuring the switch to send a copy of all network packets to the port where you're connected.
Physically plug into an open network port in the client's premises and begin capturing all traffic with a network protocol analyzer.
Perform Ethernet sniffing directly on the client's network, targeting the gateway for maximum traffic coverage without ARP spoofing.
Using a passive network tap is the correct answer because it allows you to monitor network traffic without altering the traffic flow or injecting new traffic, which could be detected by an intrusion detection system. A network tap provides a way to access the data flowing across a computer network. In a passive mode, it is less likely to interfere with normal network operations or to be discovered. Using port mirroring would also avoid detection, but it requires access to switch configuration which may not be available. Ethernet sniffing on a switched network without ARP spoofing is unlikely to capture all traffic due to switch port security. Plugging into an open network port may not necessarily capture all traffic and could potentially be detected if the network employs security measures on unused ports.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
What is a passive network tap and how does it work?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are the advantages of using passive methods for network traffic analysis?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
How does port mirroring differ from using a network tap?