CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice 2026 - Free CPSA Practice Questions and Study Guide

The acronym SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. This protocol plays a crucial role in managing and monitoring network devices within an IP network. SNMP allows network administrators to collect information from devices, such as routers, switches, servers, printers, and more, providing them with the tools to control network performance and troubleshoot issues.

The essence of SNMP lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for managing complex network systems. It operates based on a client-server model, where devices act as agents, reporting to a centralized management system called the Network Management System (NMS). SNMP facilitates the tracking of device statuses, performance metrics, and error conditions, enhancing overall network visibility and management.

Understanding SNMP and its functions is vital for security analysts and network professionals as it directly impacts the ability to maintain secure and efficient network operations.