What is a common use for network monitoring tools like Wireshark?

Network monitoring tools like Wireshark are primarily used to analyze network traffic and identify any suspicious activity occurring within the network. They capture and dissect packets transmitted over the network, allowing cybersecurity professionals to monitor and diagnose issues, detect intrusions, or find anomalies that could indicate malicious behavior. This level of insight is crucial for maintaining network security, ensuring that any potential threats can be promptly addressed.

Wireshark facilitates deep packet inspection, providing detailed information about data packets, including their source and destination, protocol types, and more. This allows security analysts to trace the path of potentially harmful data or unauthorized access attempts, which is vital in preventing breaches and mitigating risks. The effectiveness of these tools in network security makes them indispensable for monitoring and ensuring the integrity of data in transit.

In contrast, other options focus on functions that are not directly related to the primary purpose of network monitoring. Therefore, while those tools might have their utility, they do not align with the core capabilities and typical use cases of tools like Wireshark.