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The term "network forensic analysis" specifically refers to the examination and analysis of raw network data to identify security risks and potential threats. This process involves capturing, recording, and interpreting network traffic in order to detect any suspicious activity, identify intrusions, or validate compliance with security policies.

Network forensics is crucial for understanding the nature of an attack by retrieving detailed information from network packets and logs. It enables security professionals to not only investigate incidents after they occur but also to gather evidence for further action, such as presenting findings to stakeholders or aiding in legal proceedings. This analytical approach ensures that organizations can understand the vulnerabilities in their network and effectively respond to threats.

In contrast, vulnerability assessments focus on identifying weaknesses in systems before they can be exploited, penetration testing involves actively testing for security vulnerabilities through simulated attacks, and incident response addresses the procedure for managing and mitigating the impacts of a security incident after it has been detected. Each of these processes plays a role in a comprehensive security strategy, but they do not specifically pertain to the analysis of raw network data for uncovering security risks in the way that network forensic analysis does.