CompTIA CAS-005 CompTIA SecurityX Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 8 Q106-120
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Question 106
A company wants to protect sensitive data in transit across public networks. Which solution provides the strongest protection without impacting usability?
A) Transmitting data without encryption
B) Implementing end-to-end encryption with secure protocols such as TLS/SSL and VPNs
C) Trusting users not to intercept or leak data
D) Using basic password protection for transmitted files
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Transmitting sensitive data across public networks, such as the internet, introduces significant risks of interception, eavesdropping, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Transmitting data without encryption is highly risky. Without encryption, any intercepted traffic is readable by attackers, exposing credentials, personal information, financial data, or intellectual property. This approach provides no confidentiality, integrity, or protection against tampering, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to compromise and regulatory violations.
Trusting users not to intercept or leak data is unreliable. Human behavior is unpredictable; users may inadvertently share unencrypted files, use insecure networks, or fall victim to social engineering. Relying solely on user vigilance cannot prevent interception, man-in-the-middle attacks, or misuse of sensitive data. Human error, negligence, or malicious intent is insufficient protection.
Using basic password protection for transmitted files is also inadequate. Passwords can be guessed, intercepted, or bypassed if transmitted in cleartext or through insecure channels. Password-only protection does not provide encryption of data in transit, leaving sensitive content exposed to interception or modification. Attackers can capture data packets, extract passwords, and access protected files, defeating the intended security measures.
Implementing end-to-end encryption with secure protocols such as TLS/SSL and VPNs provides the strongest protection. End-to-end encryption ensures that data is encrypted on the sender’s device and remains encrypted until it reaches the intended recipient, protecting confidentiality and integrity even if traffic is intercepted. TLS/SSL protocols provide secure communication over standard channels such as HTTP, email, and messaging platforms, ensuring that unauthorized parties cannot read or modify transmitted data. VPNs create encrypted tunnels for remote users, safeguarding data as it traverses public networks and protecting against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Integration with strong authentication, certificate validation, and modern cryptographic algorithms ensures that communications are both secure and tamper-resistant. Centralized monitoring allows organizations to track encrypted sessions, detect anomalies, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. This layered approach ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and security of data in transit while preserving usability for employees and partners, balancing security with operational efficiency.
The reasoning demonstrates that end-to-end encryption with secure protocols and VPNs is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Transmitting data without encryption, relying solely on user vigilance, or using simple password protection exposes sensitive information to interception, manipulation, and compromise.
Question 107
A company wants to ensure secure authentication for cloud applications without relying solely on passwords. Which solution provides the most effective protection?
A) Allowing password-only authentication
B) Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) with adaptive risk-based policies
C) Trusting users to maintain strong passwords
D) Disabling authentication to simplify access
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Passwords alone are insufficient to protect cloud applications due to phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks. Allowing password-only authentication is inherently weak. Attackers can compromise accounts through phishing, password reuse, or weak passwords. Relying solely on passwords exposes cloud applications to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and account compromise. Password-only approaches fail to meet modern security standards and do not provide adaptive protections against evolving threats.
Trusting users to maintain strong passwords is unreliable. Even security-conscious users may reuse passwords across accounts, fall for social engineering, or fail to update passwords regularly. Human behavior alone cannot ensure consistent, enforceable protection, leaving cloud applications vulnerable to compromise.
Disabling authentication entirely removes access controls and leaves applications completely unprotected. This approach prioritizes convenience at the cost of security, exposing sensitive data, intellectual property, and operational systems to unauthorized access and potential regulatory violations. It is operationally impractical for enterprise environments.
Implementing multi-factor authentication with adaptive risk-based policies provides the most effective protection. MFA requires users to present multiple authentication factors, such as passwords, one-time codes, hardware tokens, or biometrics, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised. Adaptive, risk-based policies assess contextual factors such as device, location, network behavior, and login patterns, dynamically adjusting authentication requirements based on risk levels. High-risk situations may require additional verification steps, while low-risk access remains seamless for users. Integration with centralized identity management systems allows auditing, policy enforcement, and real-time alerts for suspicious activity. MFA combined with adaptive policies ensures robust protection against credential compromise, phishing, and unauthorized access without significantly impacting usability or productivity. This layered, proactive approach protects cloud applications from both internal and external threats while supporting regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
The reasoning demonstrates that MFA with adaptive risk policies is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Password-only authentication, reliance on user behavior, or disabling authentication fails to provide adequate protection for modern cloud environments.
Question 108
A company wants to prevent malware from spreading through email attachments. Which solution provides the strongest protection without hindering business communication?
A) Allowing all attachments without scanning
B) Implementing secure email gateways with attachment sandboxing and malware analysis
C) Trusting employees not to open suspicious attachments
D) Disabling email attachments entirely
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Email attachments are a common vector for malware, ransomware, and phishing campaigns. Allowing all attachments without scanning is extremely risky. Malicious attachments can be executed immediately upon opening, compromising endpoints, stealing credentials, or exfiltrating data. Unrestricted access maximizes the attack surface and exposes the organization to significant operational and security risks.
Trusting employees not to open suspicious attachments is inconsistent. Even well-trained users may misinterpret warnings, be deceived by sophisticated social engineering, or inadvertently execute malicious files. Relying solely on human behavior provides no enforceable technical safeguards and leaves endpoints vulnerable to compromise.
Disabling email attachments entirely protects against malware but disrupts legitimate business communication. Many business processes rely on attachments for documentation, collaboration, contracts, and customer interactions. Blocking all attachments reduces efficiency, forces employees to use alternative methods that may bypass security controls, and creates operational friction.
Implementing secure email gateways with attachment sandboxing and malware analysis provides the strongest protection. Secure gateways inspect incoming attachments, execute them in isolated sandbox environments, and analyze behavior to identify malware or suspicious actions. Files that exhibit malicious behavior are blocked or quarantined before reaching users, preventing infection. Integration with threat intelligence allows detection of known and emerging malware variants. Centralized logging, alerts, and reporting provide visibility into potential threats, policy violations, and security events. Sandboxing preserves business functionality by allowing safe attachments to be delivered while protecting endpoints from malicious content. Automated scanning, behavioral analysis, and policy enforcement create a proactive defense against email-borne malware without hindering communication. This layered approach balances security, usability, and operational efficiency, ensuring that employees can receive necessary attachments safely while minimizing risk of compromise.
The reasoning demonstrates that secure email gateways with attachment sandboxing and malware analysis provide proactive, enforceable, and scalable protection. Unrestricted attachments, reliance on employee vigilance, or disabling attachments entirely either expose the organization to malware or hinder business operations.
Question 109
A company wants to protect against data exfiltration through removable media. Which solution provides the most effective protection without disrupting workflows?
A) Allowing unrestricted use of USB drives
B) Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) controls with endpoint monitoring and encryption
C) Trusting employees not to copy sensitive data
D) Disabling all removable media to prevent risk
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Removable media, including USB drives, external hard drives, and portable storage devices, pose significant data exfiltration risks. Allowing unrestricted use is extremely risky. Unauthorized copying of sensitive information can occur intentionally or accidentally, leading to breaches, regulatory violations, and operational impact. Attackers can also introduce malware via removable media, compromising endpoints and networks.
Trusting employees not to copy sensitive data is unreliable. Human behavior is inconsistent, and even well-intentioned users may make mistakes, bypass policies, or inadvertently expose sensitive files. Reliance solely on employee vigilance does not provide enforceable protection, accountability, or auditability.
Disabling all removable media provides strong protection but disrupts workflows. Many legitimate business processes, including document sharing, collaboration, and backup, rely on removable storage. Blocking all devices reduces productivity, encourages circumvention through unsanctioned solutions, and can create operational inefficiencies.
Implementing Data Loss Prevention controls with endpoint monitoring and encryption provides the most effective protection. DLP policies identify sensitive data based on content inspection, file type, or context and prevent unauthorized copying, transfer, or exfiltration. Endpoint monitoring provides visibility into attempts to use removable media, alerting administrators to suspicious activity. Encryption ensures that even if data is copied to removable devices, it remains unreadable without proper authorization. Integration with centralized management allows enforcement of policies, auditing, and compliance reporting. DLP provides granularity, permitting legitimate use while blocking high-risk actions. Alerts and automated responses enable rapid incident investigation and containment. By combining content inspection, monitoring, and encryption, organizations protect sensitive data proactively while maintaining usability and workflow efficiency. This layered, enforceable approach reduces insider threats, external compromise, and accidental data loss while supporting business operations.
The reasoning demonstrates that DLP with monitoring and encryption provides proactive, enforceable, and scalable protection. Unrestricted media use, reliance on human vigilance, or disabling all devices either introduces risk or hinders productivity.
Question 110
A company wants to protect its endpoints from ransomware attacks without disrupting normal operations. Which solution provides the most comprehensive protection?
A) Allowing users to bypass security controls
B) Implementing Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), application whitelisting, and offline backups
C) Trusting employees not to open malicious files
D) Disabling endpoint protection to improve performance
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Ransomware is a severe threat that can encrypt files, disrupt operations, and demand ransom payments. Allowing users to bypass security controls is highly risky. Users may inadvertently execute malicious files, compromise endpoints, and propagate ransomware across the network. This approach prioritizes convenience but exposes the organization to severe operational and financial consequences.
Trusting employees not to open malicious files is unreliable. Even well-trained users may fall for phishing campaigns, social engineering, or malicious downloads. Human behavior alone cannot prevent ransomware infections, leaving endpoints and critical systems exposed to compromise.
Disabling endpoint protection to improve performance removes essential safeguards. Security software detects, prevents, and responds to ransomware attacks. Disabling these protections may slightly improve performance but leaves systems completely vulnerable to infection, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Implementing EDR, application whitelisting, and offline backups provides the most comprehensive protection. EDR continuously monitors endpoints for suspicious behavior, detects malicious processes, and enables rapid containment. Application whitelisting restricts execution to approved software, preventing unauthorized or malicious programs from running. Offline backups ensure that encrypted or compromised files can be restored without paying ransom, maintaining business continuity. Integration with monitoring and alerting systems allows administrators to respond quickly to threats while minimizing disruption. This layered approach balances prevention, detection, and recovery, providing robust protection against ransomware without hindering operational efficiency. Centralized management ensures consistent enforcement, policy compliance, and proactive risk reduction across all endpoints. By combining EDR, application whitelisting, and offline backups, organizations implement a proactive, scalable, and resilient solution to ransomware threats.
The reasoning demonstrates that EDR, application whitelisting, and offline backups provide proactive, enforceable, and scalable protection. Allowing bypass, reliance on human behavior, or disabling protections introduces significant risk.
Question 111
A company wants to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to its corporate network. Which solution provides the most effective protection without impacting legitimate users?
A) Allowing all devices unrestricted network access
B) Implementing Network Access Control (NAC) with device posture checks and authentication
C) Trusting employees to secure their devices
D) Disabling network access controls to simplify connectivity
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Corporate networks are critical for business operations and often host sensitive information, internal applications, and intellectual property. Allowing all devices unrestricted network access is extremely risky. Any device, including personal or potentially compromised systems, can connect, creating a large attack surface. Malicious devices or infected endpoints can propagate malware, exfiltrate data, or exploit vulnerabilities, resulting in operational disruption and security breaches. Unrestricted access also complicates regulatory compliance, as there is no enforceable control over which devices access sensitive resources or how they interact with the network.
Trusting employees to secure their devices is insufficient. Even conscientious employees may inadvertently connect insecure devices, fail to update systems, or introduce malware through removable media. Human vigilance is inconsistent and cannot replace technical enforcement mechanisms. Sole reliance on trust leaves networks vulnerable to both accidental and intentional compromise, providing no visibility or accountability.
Disabling network access controls to simplify connectivity removes critical security measures. Without access control, all devices are treated equally, including those that may be infected or non-compliant with security policies. While this approach may reduce administrative burden, it increases exposure to cyber threats and compromises network integrity.
Implementing Network Access Control with device posture checks and authentication provides the most effective protection. NAC enforces security policies by validating the compliance and trustworthiness of devices before allowing network access. Device posture checks ensure that endpoints meet minimum requirements, including updated antivirus software, operating system patches, proper configurations, and encryption. NAC can enforce role-based policies, granting access to appropriate network segments based on user role, device type, and security posture. Integration with authentication mechanisms, such as certificates, multi-factor authentication, or centralized directory services, ensures that only authorized devices and users can connect. Continuous monitoring detects non-compliant or compromised devices, triggering quarantine or remediation workflows. Alerts and reporting provide visibility into network activity, supporting incident response, auditing, and compliance requirements. This layered approach maintains security while enabling legitimate users to access necessary resources efficiently, ensuring that corporate networks remain protected without hindering productivity. By combining enforcement, monitoring, and adaptive response, NAC minimizes exposure to malware, insider threats, and unauthorized access.
The reasoning demonstrates that NAC with device posture checks and authentication is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted access, reliance on employee diligence, or disabled controls exposes corporate networks to significant security risks and compliance violations.
Question 112
A company wants to secure its web applications from common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). Which solution provides the most effective protection?
A) Trusting developers to write secure code without review
B) Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with regular vulnerability scanning
C) Allowing all user input without validation
D) Disabling security controls to improve performance
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Web applications are prime targets for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for unauthorized access, data theft, or service disruption. Trusting developers to write secure code without review is insufficient. Even experienced developers can introduce vulnerabilities unintentionally, particularly in complex applications or under tight deadlines. Human error, inconsistent coding practices, and lack of systematic review leave applications exposed to SQL injection, XSS, and other attacks.
Allowing all user input without validation is extremely risky. Unsanitized input enables attackers to manipulate queries, inject scripts, or execute arbitrary commands. This can lead to unauthorized data access, defacement, or compromise of the server and underlying systems. Input validation and proper sanitization are critical for preventing exploitation.
Disabling security controls to improve performance removes essential safeguards. While performance optimization is important, removing protections exposes applications to attacks, potentially resulting in data breaches, downtime, and reputational damage. Security cannot be sacrificed for marginal performance gains without significant risk.
Implementing Web Application Firewalls with regular vulnerability scanning provides the most effective protection. WAFs filter, monitor, and block malicious traffic before it reaches the application, mitigating threats such as SQL injection, XSS, and remote code execution. WAFs operate based on rulesets, behavior analysis, and threat intelligence, allowing real-time detection and mitigation of attacks. Regular vulnerability scanning identifies weaknesses in applications, dependencies, and configurations, enabling developers and security teams to remediate issues proactively. Integration with security monitoring and logging provides visibility into attempted attacks, enabling incident response and compliance reporting. Layering WAF protection with secure coding practices, regular patching, and penetration testing strengthens the security posture while maintaining application usability. This comprehensive approach balances protection with operational efficiency, reducing exposure to both automated and targeted attacks. By combining automated filtering, monitoring, and proactive vulnerability management, organizations can secure web applications effectively while supporting business processes and maintaining performance.
The reasoning demonstrates that WAFs combined with regular vulnerability scanning are proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Reliance solely on developer diligence, allowing unrestricted input, or disabling security controls introduces unacceptable risk to web applications.
Question 113
A company wants to protect its wireless network from unauthorized access and eavesdropping. Which solution provides the most effective protection without hindering usability?
A) Allowing open wireless access without authentication
B) Implementing WPA3 encryption with strong passphrases and centralized authentication
C) Trusting users not to connect unauthorized devices
D) Disabling encryption to improve connectivity
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Wireless networks are inherently vulnerable due to their broadcast nature, making them susceptible to eavesdropping, unauthorized access, and man-in-the-middle attacks. Allowing open wireless access without authentication is extremely risky. Any user within range can connect, potentially intercepting traffic, launching attacks, or accessing internal resources. Open networks provide no confidentiality or integrity protections, leaving data and devices exposed.
Trusting users not to connect unauthorized devices is insufficient. Even well-meaning employees may inadvertently connect rogue access points, personal devices, or insecure hotspots, bypassing network security. Human behavior alone cannot enforce wireless security, leaving networks vulnerable to compromise.
Disabling encryption to improve connectivity removes critical protections. Without encryption, data transmitted over wireless networks is readable by any nearby attacker. While it may reduce overhead slightly, it exposes all traffic, including credentials, sensitive communications, and internal applications, to interception and modification.
Implementing WPA3 encryption with strong passphrases and centralized authentication provides the most effective protection. WPA3 secures wireless communication using robust cryptographic protocols, protecting data in transit against eavesdropping and replay attacks. Strong passphrases prevent brute-force attacks, while centralized authentication, such as 802.1X integrated with RADIUS, ensures that only authorized users and devices can access the network. Network segmentation can be applied to separate guest and corporate traffic, further reducing exposure. Continuous monitoring detects rogue access points, unusual traffic patterns, and potential intrusions, enabling rapid response. WPA3 also supports forward secrecy, enhancing protection against future compromise of encryption keys. By combining encryption, strong authentication, and monitoring, organizations maintain both usability and robust security for wireless networks, balancing operational efficiency with data confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The reasoning demonstrates that WPA3 with strong passphrases and centralized authentication is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Open access, reliance on user behavior, or disabling encryption exposes wireless networks to significant threats.
Question 114
A company wants to secure sensitive data stored on endpoints in case of device theft or loss. Which solution provides the most effective protection?
A) Allowing data to remain unencrypted
B) Implementing full-disk encryption with strong authentication and centralized management
C) Trusting employees to protect devices physically
D) Disabling encryption to improve device performance
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Endpoints such as laptops, tablets, and desktops often store sensitive corporate data. Allowing data to remain unencrypted is extremely risky. If devices are lost or stolen, unauthorized users can access confidential files, intellectual property, and credentials, resulting in data breaches, regulatory violations, and reputational damage. Unencrypted storage offers no confidentiality or integrity protections, leaving all data exposed.
Trusting employees to protect devices physically is unreliable. Even careful employees may misplace devices, leave them unattended, or become victims of theft. Physical security alone cannot guarantee data protection, and reliance on human vigilance is inconsistent and unenforceable.
Disabling encryption to improve device performance removes a critical security control. While encryption may introduce slight processing overhead, modern devices are optimized to handle full-disk encryption efficiently. Removing encryption prioritizes performance over security, leaving sensitive information vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Implementing full-disk encryption with strong authentication and centralized management provides the most effective protection. Full-disk encryption ensures that all data stored on the device, including operating system files, applications, and user documents, remains unreadable without proper credentials. Strong authentication mechanisms, such as complex passwords, biometrics, or hardware tokens, ensure that only authorized users can access encrypted data. Centralized management allows administrators to enforce encryption policies, monitor compliance, and deploy recovery keys or remote wipe capabilities in case of device loss or compromise. Encryption protects data at rest against unauthorized access, tampering, and potential insider threats. By combining encryption with strong authentication and centralized oversight, organizations safeguard endpoints without significantly impacting usability or performance. This layered approach ensures that sensitive data remains protected even if devices are physically compromised, supporting regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and operational continuity.
The reasoning demonstrates that full-disk encryption with strong authentication and centralized management is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unencrypted devices, reliance on employee vigilance, or disabled encryption leaves data highly vulnerable.
Question 115
A company wants to ensure secure remote access for employees while minimizing the risk of compromised credentials. Which solution provides the strongest protection?
A) Allowing VPN access without additional verification
B) Implementing VPN with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and device compliance checks
C) Trusting employees not to share credentials
D) Disabling remote access entirely
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Remote access is vital for modern business operations but introduces significant risks if credentials are compromised. Allowing VPN access without additional verification is extremely risky. Stolen or weak credentials can grant attackers full access to internal networks, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized changes, or lateral movement across systems. This approach prioritizes convenience over security and does not address modern threat landscapes.
Trusting employees not to share credentials is unreliable. Even well-trained employees may inadvertently expose credentials, fall victim to phishing attacks, or use insecure password practices. Sole reliance on human diligence cannot enforce security policies or prevent unauthorized access, leaving networks vulnerable.
Disabling remote access entirely eliminates risk but significantly disrupts productivity. Remote workers, business travelers, and employees collaborating across locations would lose the ability to access critical resources, forcing workarounds or reliance on unmonitored shadow IT solutions, which increases risk rather than reducing it.
Implementing VPN with multi-factor authentication and device compliance checks provides the strongest protection. MFA requires users to present multiple forms of verification, such as passwords combined with one-time passcodes, biometrics, or hardware tokens, ensuring that stolen credentials alone are insufficient for access. Device compliance checks enforce security policies, such as endpoint encryption, antivirus, patching, and configuration standards, before granting access. VPN encryption protects data in transit, safeguarding against interception or eavesdropping. Conditional access policies can restrict access from non-compliant or high-risk devices. Centralized monitoring and logging provide visibility into access attempts, policy violations, and anomalous behavior, supporting rapid incident response and auditing. By combining strong authentication, device verification, and encrypted tunnels, organizations enable secure remote access while minimizing risk and maintaining productivity.
The reasoning demonstrates that VPN with MFA and device compliance is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted access, reliance on user diligence, or disabling remote access either expose networks to compromise or disrupt business operations.
Question 116
A company wants to ensure that sensitive data stored in databases is protected from unauthorized access. Which solution provides the most effective protection while maintaining performance?
A) Allowing unrestricted database access
B) Implementing database encryption, role-based access control (RBAC), and auditing
C) Trusting database administrators to prevent unauthorized access
D) Disabling database logging to improve performance
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Databases often store critical information, including customer records, financial data, intellectual property, and operational details. Allowing unrestricted database access is extremely risky. Any user or compromised account could read, modify, or delete sensitive data. This approach violates the principle of least privilege, leaves data exposed to insider and external threats, and creates compliance violations. Unrestricted access maximizes the attack surface and makes it difficult to track or mitigate potential breaches.
Trusting database administrators to prevent unauthorized access is insufficient. While administrators may be skilled and conscientious, relying solely on human diligence cannot provide enforceable security. Mistakes, misconfigurations, or insider threats can result in data exposure. Human behavior is inconsistent, and there is no guarantee that all access policies will be enforced accurately without technical controls and monitoring.
Disabling database logging to improve performance removes the ability to detect and investigate unauthorized access. Without logging, administrators have no visibility into who accessed what data, when, or how. Auditing supports forensic investigation, compliance reporting, and anomaly detection. Eliminating logging may slightly enhance performance but significantly increases risk and reduces the organization’s ability to respond to incidents.
Implementing database encryption, role-based access control, and auditing provides the most effective protection. Encryption ensures that stored data is unreadable without the proper decryption keys, safeguarding confidentiality even if physical or logical access occurs. RBAC enforces the principle of least privilege, granting access only to users with a legitimate need based on roles or job functions. This reduces the risk of insider misuse and limits exposure if credentials are compromised. Auditing tracks all database access and changes, providing accountability, visibility, and evidence for compliance or incident response. By combining encryption, access control, and auditing, organizations create a layered defense that ensures sensitive data remains secure while maintaining operational efficiency. Centralized key management and automated policy enforcement enhance scalability and reduce administrative overhead. Monitoring and alerts enable proactive detection of unauthorized activity, while proper indexing and query optimization maintain database performance despite encryption overhead. This layered, proactive approach mitigates risks from unauthorized access, insider threats, and potential regulatory penalties.
The reasoning demonstrates that database encryption, RBAC, and auditing is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted access, reliance on administrator judgment, or disabled logging either expose sensitive data or reduce the organization’s ability to respond effectively to threats.
Question 117
A company wants to ensure that only authorized applications run on critical servers to prevent malware and unauthorized software installation. Which solution provides the most effective protection?
A) Allowing all applications to execute without restriction
B) Implementing application whitelisting, endpoint protection, and monitoring
C) Trusting administrators to avoid installing unauthorized software
D) Disabling endpoint controls to improve performance
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Critical servers host business-critical applications, data, and services, making them high-value targets for attackers. Allowing all applications to execute without restriction is extremely risky. Malware, ransomware, or unauthorized applications can execute freely, potentially compromising sensitive data, disrupting services, or propagating across the network. This approach maximizes the attack surface and makes it difficult to enforce consistent security policies.
Trusting administrators to avoid installing unauthorized software is unreliable. Even experienced administrators may make mistakes, deploy untested applications, or overlook security configurations. Insider threats or accidental errors can result in unauthorized software execution, leading to operational disruption or compromise. Reliance solely on human diligence does not provide enforceable, consistent protection.
Disabling endpoint controls to improve performance removes critical defenses. Endpoint protection, application whitelisting, and monitoring are essential for detecting and preventing unauthorized software execution. Disabling these controls may slightly enhance system speed but significantly increases risk by leaving servers exposed to malware, exploits, or misconfigurations.
Implementing application whitelisting, endpoint protection, and monitoring provides the most effective protection. Application whitelisting ensures that only approved applications can execute on servers, preventing unauthorized software and malware from running. Endpoint protection provides real-time detection of threats, including malware, ransomware, and suspicious activity. Continuous monitoring identifies attempts to execute unauthorized applications, generates alerts, and supports automated remediation or quarantine. Centralized management allows administrators to maintain consistent whitelists, enforce policies, and review logs for compliance and security incidents. Integration with vulnerability management ensures that approved applications are up-to-date and configured securely. This layered approach provides proactive prevention, continuous monitoring, and rapid response to threats while minimizing operational impact. It balances security and usability, ensuring that critical servers remain protected without hindering legitimate business operations. By combining application whitelisting, endpoint protection, and monitoring, organizations reduce the risk of malware infections, unauthorized installations, and potential insider threats.
The reasoning demonstrates that application whitelisting, endpoint protection, and monitoring is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted execution, reliance on administrator judgment, or disabled endpoint controls exposes critical servers to compromise and operational disruption.
Question 118
A company wants to prevent unauthorized access to physical facilities containing sensitive information. Which solution provides the strongest protection while maintaining operational efficiency?
A) Allowing unrestricted facility access
B) Implementing access control systems with keycards, biometric authentication, and logging
C) Trusting employees to secure doors and sensitive areas
D) Disabling access controls to simplify movement
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Physical facilities housing sensitive information, servers, or operational systems must be secured to prevent theft, sabotage, or unauthorized data access. Allowing unrestricted facility access is highly risky. Any individual, including visitors, contractors, or malicious actors, can enter sensitive areas, increasing the risk of theft, espionage, or tampering. Unrestricted access violates the principle of least privilege and makes it impossible to enforce physical security policies.
Trusting employees to secure doors and sensitive areas is unreliable. Even conscientious staff may forget to lock doors, misplace keys, or fail to verify identities. Reliance on human vigilance alone cannot provide consistent enforcement, accountability, or auditing of physical access. Human error and insider threats are significant risks that require technical controls to mitigate.
Disabling access controls to simplify movement removes critical security measures. While it may reduce operational friction, it exposes facilities to unauthorized entry, theft, and potential compromise of sensitive information. Security cannot be sacrificed for convenience without introducing substantial risk.
Implementing access control systems with keycards, biometric authentication, and logging provides the strongest protection. Keycards enforce identity verification and can be configured with role-based access, granting entry only to authorized personnel. Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or iris scans, adds an additional layer of security that is difficult to replicate or bypass. Logging ensures that all entries and exits are recorded, providing audit trails for compliance, incident investigation, and accountability. Centralized management allows administrators to monitor access in real time, revoke permissions immediately if a credential is compromised, and enforce access policies across multiple locations. Integration with alarms, surveillance cameras, and visitor management systems enhances situational awareness and provides rapid response capabilities. Layered physical controls, combined with procedural policies and monitoring, balance security and operational efficiency, ensuring that sensitive facilities are protected without significantly disrupting workflow. This approach proactively mitigates risks associated with unauthorized entry, insider threats, and theft.
The reasoning demonstrates that access control systems with keycards, biometric authentication, and logging are proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted access, reliance on employee vigilance, or disabled controls leaves sensitive facilities vulnerable.
Question 119
A company wants to prevent sensitive data from being exposed through print and copy functions on endpoints. Which solution provides the most effective protection without disrupting workflows?
A) Allowing all printing and copying without restrictions
B) Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) controls with content inspection, access policies, and monitoring
C) Trusting employees not to print or copy sensitive data
D) Disabling print and copy functions entirely
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Printing and copying can be vectors for data leakage, particularly for sensitive corporate information. Allowing all printing and copying without restrictions is highly risky. Unauthorized users or insiders may print or copy confidential documents, exposing financial, personal, or proprietary information. This approach maximizes exposure and leaves organizations vulnerable to accidental or deliberate data loss.
Trusting employees not to print or copy sensitive data is unreliable. Even well-trained employees may make mistakes, misinterpret policies, or act maliciously. Human vigilance alone cannot provide enforceable protection, monitoring, or accountability for printed or copied content.
Disabling print and copy functions entirely protects data but disrupts business operations. Many workflows rely on physical documentation or secure copying for contracts, collaboration, or regulatory compliance. Blocking these functions entirely hinders productivity, encourages workarounds, and can lead to unsanctioned solutions that increase risk.
Implementing DLP controls with content inspection, access policies, and monitoring provides the most effective protection. DLP solutions can inspect documents before they are printed or copied, identifying sensitive information through content analysis, keywords, or patterns. Policies can restrict printing or copying of high-risk content, enforce encryption, or require authorization. Monitoring generates alerts for policy violations and provides auditing for compliance and forensic investigation. Centralized management allows administrators to enforce consistent controls across the enterprise, track exceptions, and maintain operational efficiency. Integration with secure print servers ensures that only authorized users can release print jobs. This layered approach balances productivity with security, preventing accidental or malicious data leakage while supporting business operations. By combining policy enforcement, content inspection, and monitoring, organizations safeguard sensitive information proactively and efficiently.
The reasoning demonstrates that DLP with content inspection, access policies, and monitoring is proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted printing, reliance on employee vigilance, or disabling print and copy functions introduces either operational risk or security gaps.
Question 120
A company wants to protect endpoints from unauthorized changes to system configurations and applications. Which solution provides the most comprehensive protection without hindering operations?
A) Allowing users to modify system settings freely
B) Implementing configuration management, change control, and endpoint monitoring
C) Trusting administrators to avoid making errors
D) Disabling monitoring to simplify management
Answer: B)
Explanation:
Endpoints are critical for business operations, hosting applications, configurations, and user data. Allowing users to modify system settings freely is extremely risky. Unauthorized or accidental changes can introduce vulnerabilities, reduce stability, or compromise security controls. This approach violates the principle of least privilege and increases exposure to both insider threats and misconfigurations.
Relying solely on administrators to avoid errors when managing endpoints and applications is an inherently unreliable security practice. Even highly experienced and skilled administrators are susceptible to human mistakes, lapses in judgment, or misinterpretation of complex security configurations. Simple errors, such as applying incorrect settings, leaving default configurations in place, or misconfiguring access controls, can introduce vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. In addition, administrators may inadvertently weaken security in pursuit of operational efficiency, prioritizing convenience or performance over strict adherence to security policies. Human behavior is inconsistent, and even well-intentioned personnel may overlook subtle misconfigurations or fail to account for the full impact of a change. Relying solely on administrators to maintain security leaves endpoints and applications exposed, as there is no guarantee that policies will be enforced consistently or that security best practices will be followed in every instance.
Disabling monitoring to simplify management further exacerbates the risk by removing critical visibility into endpoint activity and configuration changes. Monitoring systems are designed to detect deviations from established security policies, unauthorized software installation, and configuration drift, which occurs when systems diverge from their intended secure state. Without continuous monitoring, organizations lose the ability to identify when an administrator or a process makes unauthorized changes that could compromise security. Configuration drift can create vulnerabilities that persist undetected, allowing attackers to exploit misconfigured systems or gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Similarly, without monitoring, malicious activity such as the installation of unapproved software, privilege escalation attempts, or policy violations can go unnoticed for extended periods, increasing the likelihood of a successful attack and making incident response more difficult. The absence of monitoring eliminates early warning mechanisms that are essential for proactive security management and limits the organization’s ability to respond quickly to potential threats.
Combining human error with a lack of monitoring creates a security environment in which endpoints are highly vulnerable. Even the most skilled administrators cannot replace automated oversight or continuous enforcement of security policies. Technical controls, such as automated configuration management, endpoint detection and response, and auditing systems, complement human expertise by providing consistent enforcement, visibility, and alerts for deviations from established policies. These controls reduce the likelihood that mistakes or misconfigurations will compromise security and provide a mechanism to detect and respond to issues in real time. Monitoring systems also generate logs and metrics that enable forensic analysis, compliance verification, and continuous improvement of security practices, which cannot be achieved through human vigilance alone.
Trusting administrators to avoid errors is insufficient because human behavior is unpredictable and mistakes are inevitable. Disabling monitoring further compounds this risk by removing visibility into unauthorized changes, policy violations, and configuration drift. Effective endpoint security requires a combination of skilled personnel and automated monitoring to enforce policies, detect anomalies, and respond promptly to potential threats. By integrating technical oversight with human expertise, organizations can minimize risk, maintain secure configurations, and ensure continuous protection of critical systems.
Implementing configuration management, change control, and endpoint monitoring provides the most comprehensive protection. Configuration management ensures that endpoints maintain approved system settings and application versions. Change control enforces formal processes for requesting, approving, and implementing modifications, reducing risk and errors. Endpoint monitoring tracks changes in real time, alerting administrators to unauthorized modifications and supporting automated remediation. Centralized management allows consistent enforcement across all endpoints, provides audit trails for compliance, and supports incident response. Integration with policy enforcement, automated patching, and security baselines ensures operational continuity and minimizes disruption. By combining proactive prevention, continuous monitoring, and structured change management, organizations maintain system integrity, prevent unauthorized changes, and reduce operational risk. This layered approach balances security and usability, ensuring endpoints remain secure without hindering legitimate operations.
The reasoning demonstrates that configuration management, change control, and endpoint monitoring are proactive, enforceable, and scalable. Unrestricted modifications, reliance on human judgment, or disabled monitoring expose endpoints to misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and operational disruption.