What type of devices can passive scanning help identify?

Passive scanning is a network assessment technique that involves monitoring network traffic to identify devices on a network without actively probing them. This method is particularly effective for detecting rogue devices, which are unauthorized or unapproved devices that have connected to the network.

These rogue devices might include personal devices, unauthenticated laptops, or any hardware that hasn't been formally recognized or sanctioned by the organization's IT policies. Since passive scanning does not emit any signals or cause disruptions, it allows security teams to identify these devices discreetly and assess their potential impact on the network's security posture.

Furthermore, while options such as approved devices, inactive devices, and legacy systems may be identifiable through different methods, passive scanning specifically excels at identifying those devices that may pose a risk, as it can spot unauthorized connections without alerting them to the monitoring activity. This capability makes it a crucial tool for maintaining the integrity and security of the network.