The correct deployment is Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port. This choice is correct because the requirement specifies detection without blocking, which means the sensor must passively analyze packet payloads against signatures and generate alerts without any inline action. In IDS mode, these tools operate out-of-band, receiving a copy of traffic from a tap or SPAN port, so they can inspect payloads and alert on exploits without ever touching or delaying the live data stream. On the CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the fundamental difference between IDS and IPS: IDS is a passive, alert-only system, while IPS sits inline and can block traffic. A common trap is choosing an IPS deployment because it also uses signatures, but the “no blocking” keyword eliminates any inline solution. Remember the memory tip: “IDS is a detective, IPS is a security guard”—the detective watches and reports, never interfering with the scene.
CS0-003 Security Operations Practice Question
This CS0-003 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms.. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A network sensor must detect exploit traffic using packet payload signatures and generate alerts without blocking traffic. Which deployment is BEST? In the evidence source phase, Which evidence source best supports or refutes the detection?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port
Option C is correct because the requirement is to detect exploit traffic using packet payload signatures and generate alerts without blocking traffic. Suricata or Snort in IDS (Intrusion Detection System) mode, deployed on a network tap or SPAN port, passively analyzes packet payloads against signatures and generates alerts without any inline blocking action. This matches the 'detect only, no block' requirement exactly.
Key principle: Suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Inline IPS mode with drop rules for all signatures
Why it's wrong here
Inline blocking can be useful, but the requirement is detection without blocking.
✗
A vulnerability scanner run once per quarter
Why it's wrong here
Quarterly scans do not provide continuous packet-level detection.
✓
Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port
Why this is correct
IDS mode observes traffic and alerts on signatures while avoiding inline blocking impact.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms.
✗
Host-based file integrity monitoring only
Why it's wrong here
FIM detects file changes on hosts, not network exploit payloads.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between IDS and IPS modes, where candidates mistakenly choose inline IPS because they think 'detection' implies blocking, but the key phrase 'without blocking traffic' explicitly rules out any inline deployment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In IDS mode, Suricata or Snort uses libpcap or AF_PACKET to capture packets from a tap or SPAN port, then applies signature-based detection (e.g., using PCRE or content matching) against the payload. The sensor operates out-of-band, meaning it cannot drop or modify traffic, which is ideal for environments where availability is critical and false positives must not cause service disruption. A real-world scenario is a financial network where PCI DSS requires detection of SQL injection attempts without risking transaction interruption.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms.
IDS mode passively monitors traffic and generates alerts.
SPAN ports or network taps provide mirrored traffic for NIDS.
Packet payload signatures are used to identify known exploits.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CS0-003 question in full detail.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port — Option C is correct because the requirement is to detect exploit traffic using packet payload signatures and generate alerts without blocking traffic. Suricata or Snort in IDS (Intrusion Detection System) mode, deployed on a network tap or SPAN port, passively analyzes packet payloads against signatures and generates alerts without any inline blocking action. This matches the 'detect only, no block' requirement exactly.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 question wrong?
Review suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms., then practise related CS0-003 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Suricata and Snort are open-source NIDS/NIPS platforms.
About these practice questions
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Variation 1. A network sensor must detect exploit traffic using packet payload signatures and generate alerts without blocking traffic. Which deployment is BEST? In the detection engineering phase, Which detection or tuning approach would reduce noise without losing the signal?
medium
A.Host-based file integrity monitoring only
B.Inline IPS mode with drop rules for all signatures
✓ C.Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port
D.A vulnerability scanner run once per quarter
Why C: Option C is correct because Suricata or Snort configured in IDS (Intrusion Detection System) mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port passively inspects packet payloads against signatures and generates alerts without blocking traffic. This matches the requirement to detect exploit traffic and alert, not block. IDS mode uses a copy of the traffic, so it cannot drop packets, fulfilling the 'without blocking traffic' constraint.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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