CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

Which protocol does SNMP refer to?

1. Simple Network Messaging Protocol

2. Simple Network Management Protocol

3. Serial Network Management Protocol

4. Static Network Management Protocol

The correct answer is: Simple Network Management Protocol

The correct answer is related to the functionality of the protocol itself, which is specifically designed for managing devices on IP networks. SNMP stands for Simple Network Management Protocol. It is a standard protocol used to collect and organize information about managed devices on IP networks and to modify that information to change device behavior. SNMP enables network administrators to monitor network performance, identify and troubleshoot issues, and manage network devices such as routers, switches, and servers in a standardized way. It operates over the Internet Protocol (IP) and uses a client-server model where a network management system (NMS) can communicate with agents residing on the managed devices. The other options reflect variations in naming that do not align with the established term. The concept of "simple network messaging" does not accurately represent SNMP's functionalities or purposes. Similarly, "serial" and "static" in the context of management protocols do not correspond to any recognized protocols in network management. Understanding the actual function and use of SNMP is crucial for effective network management and security practices.