Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What technology can be implemented to analyze traffic patterns for security threats without altering the flow of traffic?

1. IDS

2. Firewall

3. Proxy server

4. Switch

The correct answer is: IDS

The choice of an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) for analyzing traffic patterns for security threats without altering the flow of traffic is founded on the fundamental design and purpose of IDS technology. An IDS monitors network traffic by capturing packets and analyzing them against a set of predetermined rules or behavior patterns to identify any signs of activity that could indicate a security threat, such as potential intrusions or malicious behavior. One of the key advantages of using an IDS is its ability to operate in a passive monitoring mode. This means that while the IDS is continuously analyzing and reporting on the traffic patterns, it does not interfere with or modify the traffic that is being monitored. This non-intrusive nature allows organizations to maintain the integrity and performance of their existing network architecture while gaining valuable insights into its security posture. In contrast, other options like firewalls actively manage and control the flow of traffic based on security rules, potentially altering how data packets interact with the system. Proxy servers also serve to mediate and filter traffic passes, which affects the original traffic flow, and switches are primarily focused on directing data packets within the network but do not perform security analysis. Therefore, an IDS is uniquely positioned to provide threat analysis in a non-disruptive manner, making it the right choice for