What does 'snooping' refer to in the context of network security?

Snooping in the context of network security specifically refers to the interception of messages or data as they travel across a network. This act involves monitoring and capturing data packets that are being transmitted between devices, often without the knowledge or consent of the parties involved.

It is a security risk because it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, such as usernames, passwords, or confidential communications. Snooping typically exploits vulnerabilities within network protocols or employs methods like packet sniffing, which can capture unencrypted information as it is transmitted.

The other options, while relating to network management or security, do not accurately describe snooping. Analyzing network traffic for performance primarily focuses on improving efficiency and does not involve unauthorized interception. Configuring access controls is about managing permissions and security policies rather than intercepting messages. Checking hardware integrity pertains to assessing the physical components of a network and ensuring they are functioning correctly, which is unrelated to the concept of data interception.