Network Tap
Noun · Security & Infosec
Definitions
Network Tap is a device or virtual mechanism that passively copies network traffic for analysis without being in the forwarding path. Security teams use it to enforce trust, reduce exposure, improve detection, or standardize secure operations in production environments. Its value depends on correct configuration, lifecycle management, and surrounding controls, because weak defaults, poor integration, or missing visibility can create gaps that attackers exploit.
In plain English: Network Tap is a security concept or control that helps organizations protect systems, manage trust, and notice suspicious behavior before damage spreads.
Example: "After the review, the security team rolled out Network Tap in the affected environment, documented the operating procedure, and verified through logs and test cases that the control reduced exposure without breaking normal administrative or user workflows."