When is a VEN considered to be in "Visibility Only" mode?

A Virtual Enforcement Node (VEN) is considered to be in "Visibility Only" mode when it is actively detecting and monitoring traffic flows but is not actively enforcing any security policies or making changes to allow or deny traffic. This mode enables organizations to gain insights into traffic patterns and application communications within their environment without impacting the actual traffic flow or enforcing any rules.

In "Visibility Only" mode, the VEN collects data and analyzes it to inform administrators about the existing network dynamics, which can be helpful for planning and decision-making regarding policy enforcement in the future. Being able to detect and report on traffic without taking active enforcement steps helps organizations understand their security posture and compliance without interrupting business processes.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with the definition of "Visibility Only" mode. For example, a VEN that is fully enforcing policies is in a separate operational state where it actively controls traffic based on the enforced policy set. Being offline indicates a lack of connection and ability to detect any traffic, while merely monitoring inbound traffic does not encapsulate the full scope of monitoring that visibility requires. Hence, the correct identification of a VEN operating in visibility mode focuses on its role in detection without enforcement actions.