Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is an application-layer protocol for monitoring and managing network devices on a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). The purpose of SNMP is to provide network devices, such as routers, servers, and printers with a common language for sharing information within a Network Management System (NMS).
SNMP’s client-server architecture has the three following components:
The SNMP manager acts as the client, the SNMP agent acts as the server and the MIB acts as the server’s database. When the SNMP manager asks the agent a question, the agent uses the MIB to supply the answer.
SNMP is so popular that most network devices come pre-bundled with SNMP agents. To make use of the protocol, however, network administrators must first change the default configuration settings of their network devices so SNMP agents can communicate with the network’s management system.
SNMP is part of the original Internet Protocol (IP) suite as defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Multiple versions of the SNMP protocol exist. The most recent version, SNMPv3, includes security mechanisms for authentication, encryption, and access control.
SMBs should work with their IT professionals to set up SNMP if possible. SNMP can help your organization gain important information on your networks such as configuration changes, status information, and automatic alerts to some forms of malicious activity. Your IT staff should be able to help set this up.
Additional Cybersecurity Recommendations
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Additional Reading:
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