Which type of analysis involves inspecting a system and software as it operates, with examples including packet capture and traffic analysis?

The analysis described involves observing and interacting with a system while it is in operation, which is fundamental to understanding how data is processed and transmitted in real time. This type of analysis allows for the capture of live data streams, enabling security researchers to monitor communications, assess protocol implementations, and identify potential vulnerabilities during system operation.

Packet capture and traffic analysis are key methods in this category. Packet capture involves intercepting and logging the data packets that traverse a network, while traffic analysis focuses on examining these packets to glean insights about system behavior, detect anomalies, or infer data flow patterns.

Dynamic analysis, as it relates to cybersecurity, specifically involves the evaluation of system behavior in a runtime environment. This method allows for the identification of threats that may not be apparent through static analysis, where the code is inspected without execution. By observing the system in operation, one can uncover runtime vulnerabilities and potentially malicious behaviors that would remain hidden otherwise.

This interactive approach is critical for understanding how systems respond to various inputs and for identifying security weaknesses that are only evident during execution. Thus, identifying the nature of this analysis is crucial for effective cybersecurity testing and interventions.