Network and Security (Applications) D329

Correct Answer D. All of above

Explanation

Private Key Management is critical in securing cryptographic operations. Risks include unauthorized access to private keys by malicious actors, which can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of systems; loss of private keys, which can lead to permanent loss of access to encrypted data; and the single point of vulnerability, as the compromise of a private key can invalidate an entire security infrastructure. These risks highlight the importance of secure key generation, storage, rotation, and access control.

Why other options are wrong

A. Access to keys by malicious actors

While this is a valid risk, it is only one aspect of the broader set of vulnerabilities involved in key management.

B. Loss of private key

This is another critical risk, but it does not encompass all the threats associated with private key management.

C. Single point of vulnerability

This is also true but is only part of the larger picture.

Each option on its own represents a real threat, but D. All of above captures the comprehensive set of risks involved.

Correct Answer B. Reverse Proxy

Explanation:

A reverse proxy serves as an intermediary between clients and the web servers. It can provide security by shielding the actual web servers from direct exposure to the Internet. This setup allows the company to protect its internal systems while still enabling access to web services. The reverse proxy can also perform additional security measures, such as filtering traffic, providing encryption, and authenticating users before allowing access to backend services.

Why other options are wrong:

A. DLP – Data Loss Prevention (DLP) is a strategy and set of tools designed to prevent sensitive data from being leaked or misused. It doesn’t specifically address securing web servers for public access.

C. DMZ – A DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is a network segment between the internal network and the Internet where services can be placed. While it is a common practice to use a DMZ, the question specifically asks for a more secure way to publish web services to the Internet, which can be done through a reverse proxy in addition to using a DMZ.

D. Load balancer – A load balancer is used to distribute traffic across multiple servers to ensure availability and improve performance but does not specifically secure the servers or protect them from direct exposure to the Internet.

Correct Answer A. Disable unnecessary ports

Explanation

Before deploying a server into a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), it's important to minimize its attack surface. One way to do this is by disabling unnecessary ports. Any open ports that aren't essential for the server's functionality could serve as entry points for attackers. Disabling unnecessary ports ensures that only the necessary communication channels remain open, reducing the potential vulnerabilities in the server.

Why other options are wrong

B. Open all ports

Opening all ports would expose the server to unnecessary risks by allowing all types of traffic to pass through. This would significantly increase the server's vulnerability, especially in a DMZ where external threats may be attempting to access the system.

C. Disable all accounts

While it's important to disable unused accounts, disabling all accounts could render the server unusable. In a DMZ, you'll likely need at least some accounts for administrative tasks and service functions. Disabling all accounts isn't a practical security measure for operational servers.

D. Reduce file restrictions

Reducing file restrictions would typically make the server less secure, as it would allow more access to files. In a DMZ, you want to enforce stricter file permissions to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and configuration files. Reducing file restrictions would not be a hardening measure.

Correct Answer:

A. Fault tolerance

D. Load balancing

Explanation:

Fault tolerance ensures that services remain available even if one component fails, which is a critical feature of availability zones in cloud environments. Load balancing distributes traffic and workloads across multiple servers or zones, ensuring that no single server becomes a bottleneck and improving system resilience and reliability.

Why other options are wrong:

B. Data sovereignty – This pertains to data compliance and laws regarding where data is stored geographically, and while important, it does not directly enhance service reliability.

C. Single point of failure – This is a condition to be avoided. Availability zones are specifically designed to eliminate single points of failure, not embody them.

Correct Answer A. Enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings.

Explanation:

Enabling Quality of Service (QoS) settings allows the network to prioritize VoIP (Voice over IP) traffic over less critical traffic, such as file transfers or web browsing. By allocating more bandwidth and prioritizing voice traffic, QoS helps ensure better call quality, reducing delays, interruptions, and jitter during peak usage times.

Why other options are wrong:

B. Increase the bandwidth of the internet connection. – While increasing bandwidth can provide more capacity, it may not directly address the issue of prioritizing voice traffic. QoS is specifically designed to handle the prioritization of critical traffic like VoIP.

C. Switch to a different video conferencing platform. – Changing the platform does not solve the underlying issue of network congestion or traffic prioritization. The network itself needs to be configured to handle voice traffic more effectively.

D. Limit the number of users on the network. – Limiting the number of users could help reduce congestion, but this is not a scalable or efficient solution. Enabling QoS is a better, more targeted approach to managing network resources.

Correct Answer A. Implement a VPN for remote access

Explanation

To ensure that access is restricted to the internal network, implementing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for remote access ensures that only authorized internal users can access the web application. The VPN encrypts communication, making sure that sensitive data can only be accessed by users on the internal network or those connected via the secure VPN.

Why other options are wrong

B. Enable two-factor authentication

While enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) enhances the security of login credentials, it does not specifically restrict access to only the internal network. 2FA adds an extra layer of security for authentication but doesn't address network access restrictions.

C. Use a public IP address for the application

Using a public IP address would make the web application accessible from anywhere on the internet, which directly contradicts the goal of restricting access to only the internal network. A public IP exposes the application to a wider audience, which is not secure for sensitive data.

D. Deploy a web application firewall

A web application firewall (WAF) helps protect the application from external threats like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other attacks. However, it does not restrict access to the internal network. It can complement security but does not solve the problem of limiting access to the internal network.

Correct Answer B. Use a Buffer to store packets before we start outputting them.

Explanation

Jitter in video streaming refers to the variability in packet arrival times, which can result in choppy or distorted playback. Using a buffer helps smooth out these variations by temporarily storing packets before they are played. This way, even if some packets arrive later than others, the playback remains smooth because the buffer ensures a continuous stream of data is available for rendering the video.

Why other options are wrong

A. Nothing

Taking no action will not reduce jitter. If jitter is not addressed, video playback may experience interruptions or decreased quality. This option ignores the technical measures that are commonly implemented to manage jitter, making it ineffective.

C. Use the Jitterbug protocol

There is no such thing as the "Jitterbug protocol" in network communication or video streaming. This option is fictional and does not represent any valid technical solution, so it cannot help with jitter reduction.

D. None of the above

This option is incorrect because using a buffer is a valid and widely-used method for reducing jitter in video streaming. Selecting this would disregard a real and effective solution.

Correct Answer A. Implement certificate pinning

Explanation

Certificate pinning involves hardcoding a specific certificate or public key into the application. By doing so, the application only trusts the pinned certificate, preventing attackers from using fraudulent or compromised certificates in MITM attacks. This greatly enhances the security of SSL/TLS connections, especially for mobile applications.

Why other options are wrong

B. Use a self-signed certificate

Using a self-signed certificate can introduce vulnerabilities, as these certificates are not trusted by default by most clients and browsers. It increases the risk of MITM attacks, as attackers can potentially create their own self-signed certificates and intercept the communication.

C. Disable SSL/TLS verification

Disabling SSL/TLS verification would make the application vulnerable to MITM attacks, as the security checks on the SSL/TLS certificates would be bypassed. This would allow an attacker to intercept and manipulate communications without detection.

D. Employ a less secure encryption algorithm

Using a less secure encryption algorithm would weaken the SSL/TLS connection, making it easier for attackers to break the encryption and access sensitive data. It is crucial to use strong, secure encryption algorithms to protect communications.

Correct Answer

A. WPA2

B. WPA3

Explanation

WPA2 and WPA3 are the most secure wireless security protocols for modern networks. WPA2, although widely used, offers strong encryption with AES, but WPA3 introduces even stronger protections, including enhanced cryptographic strength and improvements in key exchange protocols. WPA3 also includes safeguards against offline dictionary attacks and ensures better protection for public networks.

Why other options are wrong

C. WEP

WEP is an outdated and insecure protocol that uses weak encryption, making it vulnerable to several types of attacks, including the ability to decrypt data packets. It should no longer be used in any modern wireless networks.

D. TKIP

TKIP was an improvement over WEP but is now considered insecure because of its vulnerability to attacks like the Michael vulnerability, which can allow attackers to decrypt traffic. It has been deprecated in favor of more secure options like WPA2 and WPA3.