Why Companies Need network Traffic Analysis Solution to Strengthen Cybersecurity
- Flow-enabled devices: Check if your network has devices that can generate the specific data flows needed by certain NTA tools (like Cisco Netflow). DPI tools, on the other hand, can work with raw traffic from any managed switch, making them more flexible.
- Data sources: Different tools gather data from different places in your network. Make sure the tool you choose collects the data that’s most important for your needs.
- Monitoring points: Decide if you need a tool that uses agents or not. Also, start by monitoring key areas in your network where data comes together, such as internet gateways or critical server VLANs.
- Real-time vs. historical data: Consider if you need to analyze past events or if real-time data is enough. Some tools may not keep historical data, so check this before deciding.
- Full packet capture: DPI tools can capture and store all data packets, but this can be costly and complex. Some tools focus on extracting key details from packets, reducing data volume while still providing valuable insights for both network and security teams. Choose based on your needs and budget.
What is Network Traffic Analysis in Cybersecurity?
Network traffic analysis (NTA) is a way of monitoring network availability and activity to identify anomalies, such as security and operational issues. Network Traffic Analysis in Cybersecurity means monitoring the data that goes through a computer network. It helps to detect and prevent bad things from happening in the network like hackers trying to get in or viruses trying to spread.