Which security tool monitors network traffic from a SPAN port but does not block traffic, instead analyzing it for suspicious activity?

The correct response, which identifies the tool that monitors network traffic from a SPAN port without blocking it, is indeed a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS). NIDS is specifically designed to passively monitor and analyze network traffic in real-time, identifying potentially malicious activity by examining data packets and looking for known attack signatures or anomalies. This capability is crucial for detecting intrusions and suspicious behavior without interfering with network operations, as it functions in a "monitoring-only" capacity.

The importance of NIDS lies in its ability to provide alerts on detected threats, allowing security teams to investigate incidents without disrupting normal traffic flows. By analyzing the data captured through a SPAN (Switched Port Analyzer) port, a NIDS can focus on comprehensive traffic analysis, contributing effectively to an organization's security posture.

In contrast, other tools listed do not serve the same monitoring purpose without active intervention. A Network Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) actively blocks or prevents detected threats, which is not what the question describes. File Integrity Monitoring focuses on tracking changes to files and does not analyze network traffic. Data Loss Prevention solutions are concerned with preventing the unauthorized transmission of sensitive information and typically don't monitor traffic at a general level like NIDS. Each of these tools plays unique