What configuration method can prevent man-in-the-middle attacks?

The configuration method that is effective in preventing man-in-the-middle attacks is configuring DHCP snooping. This feature acts as a security measure within the network to prevent malicious devices from acting as rogue DHCP servers.

When DHCP snooping is enabled, the switch only allows DHCP responses from trusted DHCP servers, thereby ensuring that any DHCP traffic responding to client requests is legitimate. This mitigates the risk of attackers intercepting data by falsifying DHCP offers, which could lead to devices being directed through an unauthorized network path or acquiring a fraudulent IP address.

In addition, DHCP snooping maintains a binding table that records the association between MAC addresses, IP addresses, and the ports to which they are connected. This capability not only helps in preventing man-in-the-middle scenarios but also allows for real-time monitoring and control over DHCP traffic, reinforcing the integrity of the network's IP address management.

Understanding the importance of DHCP snooping highlights how safeguarding the DHCP process is key to maintaining security within the network infrastructure, especially against interception or redirection of communication, typical in man-in-the-middle attacks.