What is Network TAP? How does it help secure the system?

Attackers are constantly looking for tools that make their job easier. For them, it's working smart. The best way to stop this attempt is to deploy the smartest security strategies.

Effectively secure your network by leveraging various automated tools to your liking, and Network TAP is one of them. Here is a detailed look at what Network TAP can do.

What is Network TAP?

A Network TAP is a hardware device that you place in a network, especially between two connected devices of a network (such as a switch, router, or firewall) to monitor network traffic. TAP stands for Test Access Point and Network TAP is a standalone device. You can use it to replicate activities in your network by copying information from nodes.

TAP is mainly used for network monitoring. You can leverage them to monitor your network to detect any malicious or suspicious vectors in the traffic.

How does Network TAP work?

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Network TAPs are external devices, but they are not part of the network infrastructure. They are built to run in the background without disrupting network performance. This independence allows you to configure them as much as possible for the best results.

Network TAPs cannot analyze the data they collect from the network. They pass information to a specified display port. You can then use a third-party tool to analyze the data from the portal. They do not rely on the resources of the connected network to function. Even if the network is down, these devices can still run in the background.

Network TAP is a better alternative to SPAN (Switch Port Analyzer). But while SPAN is overloaded with heavy traffic, TAP can still work efficiently.

TAP is 100% authentic. It can copy exactly the same copy of the data it receives from connected network devices. Rest assured that you won't lose any data as it provides premium security to maintain data privacy.

There is two-way communication between the two devices to which you connect the TAP. It is very efficient, and collects information that both endpoints are sending and receiving in real time. TAP also stores data sets from both nodes in separate channels to avoid confusion.

Network TAP is scalable. You can copy a single copy of the data or multiple copies, depending on the needs and capabilities of the monitoring device. They are also built with high capacity allowing you to aggregate network traffic without problems.

Network TAPs don't pose any concern about being hacked, especially since they don't have any IP or MAC addresses that network actors can hack or track. The datasets they generate are secure and still pending validation as you use them.

What are the benefits of Network TAP?

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Part of your responsibility as a network owner or operator is to secure your systems, and to do that requires constant monitoring. Sitting at your desk 24/7 to monitor suspicious activity on apps isn't very pleasant. You can automate the process using Network TAP and enjoy the following benefits.

1. Comprehensive network visibility

Network TAP does not record part of the traffic in the network, but the entire traffic. It has a high degree of accuracy that collects the same copy of the data that the two nodes you connect to it transmit.

Unlike some systems that change data during transmission, TAP maintains the quality and original condition of the data. You can understand the performance and security status of your system by analyzing traffic data. The results of the analysis will give you detailed information about any anomalies and guide you to deal with them effectively.

2. One-time installation and configuration

The user experience of any hardware or software tool begins with the installation process. Some tools require rigorous technical steps that are not easy to grasp, especially if you are not tech-savvy. Unless you get professional help, there's not much you can do.

Basic Network TAPs only require you to insert hardware between the endpoints of the connected system. While more advanced TAPs require some configuration in the management and monitoring sections, it is a one-time process, especially during the initial setup. As long as you do the correct configuration, it will collect and process data from the connected devices afterwards without your attention.

3. Flexibility in use

Network TAP is not only easy to configure, but also flexible to use in a variety of situations. They have no specific requirements for what you can connect. You can use them on any link you want to follow and they will be compatible with each other.

TAP is not restricted to local switches. You can install them remotely if you have additional copper or fiber cables at that location.

4. Legal evidence

Given the high sensitivity around privacy and data usage, you could be sued for your online activities. You will have to argue your case in court to win a favorable outcome.

Network TAP records data with complete accuracy and time reference. Therefore, it is recognized by the court as reliable evidence.

5. Anti-hacking

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Cybercriminals meet opponents in Network TAPs. It is one of the very few devices that is hack resistant despite the popularity of hardware hacking. Even if hackers target and attack the links you connect to TAP, their attack will not affect that link. If so, it logs the attack and any possible impact on the links.

This is really a breath of fresh air and an opportunity for you to monitor and collect traffic data to your network without any hassle.

6. Using multiple monitoring devices

You may need more than one monitoring tool to check your network performance, especially when you plan to test different aspects. Since the TAP can withstand high traffic without problems, you can connect it to your multiple monitoring ports, saving you the time and resources you otherwise would have spent doing it. each task separately.

Samuel Daniel

Update 22 February 2023