Which acronym refers to a method used to analyze network traffic flow for security monitoring?

NetFlow is a comprehensive network protocol developed by Cisco that collects and monitors network traffic data. It provides detailed insights into traffic patterns, flow metrics, and volume analysis, making it an essential tool for security monitoring. By analyzing this flow data, security teams can identify suspicious activities, detect anomalies, and ensure compliance with organizational policies.

The protocol captures information such as the source and destination IP addresses, ports, and the types of protocols in use, which can be instrumental in understanding normal network behavior and spotting deviations that may indicate security threats. This capability not only aids in real-time threat detection but also supports forensic analyses after an incident occurs.

In contrast, the other terms listed have different functions. Network Address Translation (NAT) is primarily used for translating private IP addresses to a public IP address, while Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) focus on identifying possible intrusions by analyzing packets. Access Control Lists (ACLs) are used to control incoming and outgoing traffic on a router or switch but do not specifically analyze traffic flows for security monitoring.