The answer is Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port. This configuration is correct because it passively inspects packet payloads against exploit detection signatures without affecting traffic flow, meeting the requirement to generate alerts without blocking. In IDS mode, the sensor reads a copy of the traffic from a tap or SPAN port, enabling full packet visibility for signature matching while ensuring no inline packet drops occur. On the CompTIA CySA+ CS0-003 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish IDS from IPS deployment modes and understand that signature-based detection requires passive monitoring for alert triage. A common trap is choosing an inline IPS solution, which would block traffic and violate the “no blocking” requirement. Remember the memory tip: “IDS is a listener, IPS is a bouncer”—if the task is to detect and alert without interfering, always choose IDS mode on a passive tap.
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: iDS (Intrusion Detection System) passively monitors network traffic.. 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 alert triage phase, Which action gives the analyst the clearest next triage step?
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
Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port is correct because it passively inspects packet payloads against signatures without affecting traffic flow, meeting the requirement to detect exploit traffic and generate alerts without blocking. IDS mode ensures no inline packet drops, while a tap or SPAN port provides full packet visibility for signature matching.
Quarterly scans do not provide continuous packet-level detection.
✗
Host-based file integrity monitoring only
Why it's wrong here
FIM detects file changes on hosts, not network exploit payloads.
✗
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.
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 (Option D) because they think blocking is required for security, but the question explicitly states 'without blocking traffic,' making passive IDS the correct choice.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Suricata and Snort in IDS mode use libpcap or AF_PACKET to capture packets from a tap or SPAN port, then apply signature rules (e.g., Snort rules with 'alert' action) against payload content using pattern matching algorithms like Aho-Corasick. In a real-world scenario, a SPAN port may drop packets under high load due to oversubscription, so a network tap is preferred for guaranteed visibility in critical environments.
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.
Review iDS (Intrusion Detection System) passively monitors network traffic., then practise related CS0-003 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
The correct answer is: Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port — Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port is correct because it passively inspects packet payloads against signatures without affecting traffic flow, meeting the requirement to detect exploit traffic and generate alerts without blocking. IDS mode ensures no inline packet drops, while a tap or SPAN port provides full packet visibility for signature matching.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 question wrong?
Review iDS (Intrusion Detection System) passively monitors network traffic., 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.
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
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 root-cause analysis phase, Which finding would most directly explain the activity?
medium
A.A vulnerability scanner run once per quarter
B.Host-based file integrity monitoring only
✓ C.Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port
D.Inline IPS mode with drop rules for all signatures
Why C: Suricata or Snort in IDS mode on a monitored network tap or SPAN port is the correct deployment because it passively inspects packet payloads against exploit signatures without blocking traffic, generating alerts only. This matches the requirement for detection without inline blocking, as IDS mode operates out-of-band on a copy of the traffic.
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Question Discussion
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