Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is a widely used network monitoring and management protocol. It allows you to keep track of the status and performance of the devices on your network, like routers, switches, servers, and printers. A key component of SNMP are the ports used for communication between the SNMP manager (the monitoring system) and SNMP agents (software on the monitored devices).

Organizations are rapidly adopting endpoint detection and response software to address the challenge and strengthen their overall network infrastructure security. Why? In large part because endpoints are used by the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain (humans!) and therefore create business risk. Endpoint devices typically have internet access, can reach sensitive internal data, and are primarily used by people who aren’t cybersecurity professionals.

Endpoints are a prime target for threat actors. In fact, 68% of the respondents to a Ponenmon study reported experiencing an endpoint attack that successfully compromised data or IT infrastructure. And, with IBM pegging the average cost of a data breach at $4.88 million USD, it’s clear that effective endpoint monitoring and security is a key objective for organizations of all sizes. As the stakes for endpoint security increase, so does the complexity.

If you want to know exactly what’s on your network and how it’s all connected in real time, then network observability is the answer. Network observability pulls data from sources across your network infrastructure to model a detailed view of your systems and how they interact. This lets you understand exactly what’s happening on your network at any given moment so you can optimize performance.