CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What is the function of the Windows utility nbtstat?

1. Modify firewall settings

2. Manage user accounts

3. View and manage NetBIOS name cache information

4. Analyze network traffic

The correct answer is: View and manage NetBIOS name cache information

The function of the Windows utility nbtstat is specifically to view and manage NetBIOS name cache information. This tool is primarily used for troubleshooting and managing network connections in a Windows environment that utilizes NetBIOS over TCP/IP. When you run nbtstat, it provides information regarding the NetBIOS names that are currently cached on your system. This includes the local NetBIOS name table, the NetBIOS name cache, and the NetBIOS sessions that are currently active. It allows users to see the mappings between NetBIOS names and IP addresses, which is essential for understanding network communications, especially in environments where legacy applications may still rely on NetBIOS for network identification. By actively managing this cache, users can resolve issues related to name resolution in the network. In scenarios where name resolution is a problem, nbtstat can be particularly useful for clearing the cache or renewing entries, thereby facilitating smoother network interactions. This utility is a valuable resource for network administrators and security analysts who need to ensure that NetBIOS name resolution is functioning correctly in a networked environment.