Which aspect is emphasized in passive assessments compared to active assessments?

Passive assessments focus on the observation and data collection aspect of cybersecurity evaluations. This approach involves examining system logs, network traffic, and other relevant data without directly interacting with the systems. By avoiding direct engagement, passive assessments minimize the potential for disruptions and provide insights into vulnerabilities based on existing data rather than creating a test environment.

In contrast, active assessments typically involve direct interaction with the systems, often simulating attacks or exploiting vulnerabilities to evaluate their security posture. While both methods aim to identify weaknesses, the passive approach is rooted in gathering information without influencing system behavior or availability. Thus, the emphasis on observation and data collection aligns with the overarching goal of passive assessments to assess security without active interventions.