What is the purpose of monitoring network traffic?

Monitoring network traffic serves a critical function in identifying and analyzing potential security threats, making it essential for maintaining the integrity and security of a computing environment. By examining the data packets that traverse the network, security professionals can detect unusual patterns or activities that may indicate malicious behavior, such as unauthorized access attempts, data exfiltration, or the presence of malware. This proactive approach enables organizations to respond promptly to threats, implement necessary countermeasures, and strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture.

In contrast, while increasing data transfer speed, ensuring proper device connections, or managing user login times may improve network performance, efficiency, or user experience, they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of monitoring network traffic for security purposes. Monitoring is fundamentally about safeguarding the network from potential risks rather than simply enhancing operational metrics.