What is Kismet primarily used for in network analysis?

Kismet is primarily used for passive wireless LAN analysis, making it a powerful tool for monitoring wireless networks without actively engaging with them. This means Kismet can capture and analyze data packets transmitted over wireless networks without interfering with the communications. It allows users to detect various types of wireless networks, collect information about network characteristics, and identify potential security issues.

The ability to operate in passive mode is particularly valuable in network analysis since it reduces the risk of alerting malicious actors that they are being monitored, thereby providing a more accurate picture of the wireless environment. Kismet can be instrumental in identifying rogue access points, monitoring signal strength, and analyzing the types of traffic present on a network.

The other options involve more direct engagement with the network or are focused on specific types of threats or assessments. Active intrusion detection typically involves responding to or engaging with potential threats in real-time, which contrasts with Kismet's passive approach. Network vulnerability assessments focus on identifying and evaluating weaknesses within systems, while malware detection is specific to identifying malicious software rather than analyzing network traffic.