What is the benefit of setting SNMP devices to read-only?

Setting SNMP devices to read-only is primarily beneficial because it ensures that no unauthorized changes can be made to the devices. This level of access restricts users to viewing a device's operational status and statistics without allowing them to alter configurations or settings, which can help prevent accidental or malicious modifications that could disrupt service or compromise device security.

By implementing read-only access, network administrators can effectively monitor the health and performance of their devices, enabling them to gather important metrics and assist with troubleshooting without the risk of unintended changes. This practice is especially vital in environments where security and system integrity are critical, as it minimizes opportunities for unauthorized access that could lead to vulnerabilities or operational failures.

While monitoring performance statistics and logging usage data are valid functions of SNMP, the primary advantage of read-only access is the enhanced security it provides by safeguarding device configurations against unauthorized alterations.