In network security, what is a sandbox used for?

A sandbox is primarily utilized in network security to execute untested code safely. By creating an isolated environment, a sandbox allows for the running of potentially harmful software or code without risking damage to the host machine or the overall network. This controlled setting ensures that if the code behaves maliciously, it won't affect other system resources or data, thus enabling security professionals to analyze the behavior and impact of the code in a secure manner.

In comparison, isolating network devices is a significant security practice but does not specifically describe the function of a sandbox. Creating backups is crucial for data recovery but is unrelated to isolating execution environments for untested code. Analyzing user behavior is another important aspect of security but focuses more on monitoring and analyzing user actions rather than providing a safe space to run risky applications. Each of these functions plays its own important role in network security, but none match the specific purpose of a sandbox as closely as executing untested code safely does.