CompTIA Security+ Question L-62

Which of the following should a company implement to BEST mitigate from zero-day malicious code executing on employees’ computers?

A. Least privilege accounts
B. Host-based firewalls
C. Intrusion Detection Systems
D. Application whitelisting

Answer: D

Explanation:
Application whitelisting is a security stance that prohibits unauthorized software from being able to execute unless it is on the preapproved exception list: the whitelist. This prevents any and all software, including malware, from executing unless it is on the whitelist. This can help block zero-day attacks, which are new attacks that exploit flaws or vulnerabilities in targeted systems and applications that are unknown or undisclosed to the world in general.

CompTIA Security+ Question I-5

Jane, an IT security technician, needs to create a way to secure company mobile devices. Which of the following BEST meets this need?

A. Implement voice encryption, pop-up blockers, and host-based firewalls.
B. Implement firewalls, network access control, and strong passwords.
C. Implement screen locks, device encryption, and remote wipe capabilities.
D. Implement application patch management, antivirus, and locking cabinets.

Answer: C

Explanation:
Screen-lock is a security feature that requires the user to enter a password after a short period of inactivity before they can access the system again. This feature ensures that if your device is left unattended or is lost or stolen, it will be difficult for anyone else to access your data or applications. Device encryption encrypts the data on the device. This feature ensures that the data on the device cannot be accessed in a useable form should the device be stolen. Remote wipe is the process of deleting data on a device in the event that the device is stolen. This is performed over remote connections such as the mobile phone service or the internet connection and helps ensure that sensitive data is not accessed by unauthorized people.

CompTIA Security+ Question H-23

Which of the following controls should critical application servers implement to protect themselves from other potentially compromised application services?

A. NIPS
B. Content filter
C. NIDS
D. Host-based firewalls

Answer: D

Explanation:
A host-based firewall is designed to protect the host from network based attack by using filters to limit the network traffic that is allowed to enter or leave the host. The action of a filter is to allow, deny, or log the network packet. Allow enables the packet to continue toward its destination. Deny blocks the packet from going any further and effectively discarding it. Log records information about the packet into a log file. Filters can be based on protocol and ports. By blocking protocols and ports that are not required, other potentially compromised application services would be prevented from being exploited across the network.

CompTIA Security+ Question G-86

Each server on a subnet is configured to only allow SSH access from the administrator’s workstation. Which of the following BEST describes this implementation?

A. Host-based firewalls
B. Network firewalls
C. Network proxy
D. Host intrusion prevention

Answer: A

Explanation:
A host-based firewall is installed on a client system and is used to protect the client system from the activities of the user as well as from communication from the network or Internet. These firewalls manage network traffic using filters to block certain ports and protocols while allowing others to pass through the system.

CompTIA Security+ Question F-96

A network administrator noticed various chain messages have been received by the company.
Which of the following security controls would need to be implemented to mitigate this issue?

A. Anti-spam
B. Antivirus
C. Host-based firewalls
D. Anti-spyware

Answer: A

Explanation:
A spam filter is a software or hardware solution used to identify and block, filter, or remove unwanted messages sent via email or instant messaging (IM).

CompTIA Security+ Question E-37

The call center supervisor has reported that many employees have been playing preinstalled games on company computers and this is reducing productivity.
Which of the following would be MOST effective for preventing this behavior?

A. Acceptable use policies
B. Host-based firewalls
C. Content inspection
D. Application whitelisting

Answer: D

Explanation:
Application whitelisting is a form of application security which prevents any software from running on a system unless it is included on a preapproved exception list.

CompTIA Security+ Simulation 7

A Security administrator wants to implement strong security on the company smart phones and terminal servers located in the data center. Drag and Drop the applicable controls to each asset type.

Instructions: Controls can be used multiple times and not all placeholders needs to be filled. When you have completed the simulation, Please select Done to submit.

Correct Answer:


Cable locks are used as a hardware lock mechanism – thus best used on a Data Center Terminal Server.

Network monitors are also known as sniffers – thus best used on a Data Center Terminal Server.

Install antivirus software. Antivirus software should be installed and definitions kept current on all hosts. Antivirus software should run on the server as well as on every workstation. In addition to active monitoring of incoming fi les, scans should be conducted regularly to catch any infections that have slipped through- thus best used on a Data Center Terminal Server.

Proximity readers are used as part of physical barriers which makes it more appropriate to use on a center’s entrance to protect the terminal server.

Mentor app is an Apple application used for personal development and is best used on a mobile device such as a smart phone.

Remote wipe is an application that can be used on devices that are stolen to keep data safe. It is basically a command to a phone that will remotely clear the data on that phone. This process is known as a remote wipe, and it is intended to be used if the phone is stolen or going to another user.

Should a device be stolen, GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking can be used to identify its location and allow authorities to find it – thus best used on a smart phone.

Screen Lock is where the display should be configured to time out after a short period of inactivity and the screen locked with a password. To be able to access the system again, the user must provide the password. After a certain number of attempts, the user should not be allowed to attempt any additional logons; this is called lockout – thus best used on a smart phone.

Strong Password since passwords are always important, but even more so when you consider that the device could be stolen and in the possession of someone who has unlimited access and time to try various values – thus best use strong passwords on a smartphone as it can be stolen more easily than a terminal server in a data center.

Device Encryption- Data should be encrypted on the device so that if it does fall into the wrong hands, it cannot be accessed in a usable form without the correct passwords. It is recommended to you use Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for all mobile devices where possible.

Use pop-up blockers. Not only are pop-ups irritating, but they are also a security threat. Pop-ups (including pop-unders) represent unwanted programs running on the system, and they can jeopardize the system’s well-being. This will be more effective on a mobile device rather than a terminal server.

Use host-based firewalls. A firewall is the first line of defense against attackers and malware. Almost every current operating system includes a firewall, and most are turned on by Default- thus best used on a Data Center Terminal Server.

References:
Dulaney, Emmett and Chuck Eastton, CompTIA Security+ Study Guide, 6th Edition, Sybex,
Indianapolis