Network Security & Troubleshooting Flashcards

What is the main goal of network security?

Answer: Protect networks from unauthorized access

The main goal of network security is to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of network and data resources from unauthorized access, misuse, modification, or denial. This involves implementing various measures like firewalls, encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems. Effective network security is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining operational continuity.

Which device is used to block unauthorized access to a network?

Answer: Firewall

A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. Its primary purpose is to establish a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks, such as the internet, to prevent unauthorized access and protect against malicious attacks.

What is the role of encryption in network security?

Answer: Converts data into unreadable format for security

Encryption is the process of converting information or data into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It transforms readable data (plaintext) into an unreadable format (ciphertext) using an algorithm and an encryption key. This ensures that even if intercepted, the data remains confidential and secure, as only authorized parties with the correct key can decrypt and read it.

Which attack involves overwhelming a network with excessive traffic?

Answer: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks are specifically designed to overwhelm a target system, server, or network with a flood of internet traffic. This excessive traffic comes from multiple compromised computer systems, making the target service unavailable to legitimate users by consuming all available resources.

Which protocol is commonly used for secure remote login?

Answer: SSH

SSH (Secure Shell) is a cryptographic network protocol that enables secure remote login and command-line execution between two networked computers. It provides strong authentication and encrypted communication, protecting data from eavesdropping and unauthorized access, unlike older, insecure protocols like Telnet.

What tool is commonly used to diagnose network connectivity issues?

Answer: Ping

Ping is a fundamental network utility used to test the reachability of a host on an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It measures the round-trip time for messages sent from the originating host to a destination computer and reports any packet loss, making it ideal for quickly diagnosing basic connectivity problems.

What is the function of a VPN in network security?

Answer: Provide a secure encrypted tunnel for data

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection over a less secure network, such as the internet. This "tunnel" protects data transmitted between the user's device and the VPN server from interception and monitoring, ensuring privacy and data integrity.

Which software detects and removes malicious software?

Answer: Antivirus software

Antivirus software is specifically designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software, commonly known as malware, from computer systems. It scans files and programs for known threats and suspicious behavior, protecting users from viruses, worms, Trojans, and other harmful code.

What step should be taken if a network is suspected to be compromised?

Answer: Disconnect the affected system from the network

Disconnecting the affected system from the network is a critical immediate step to prevent further spread of the compromise and minimize damage. This action isolates the threat, allowing for investigation and remediation without risking other systems or data on the network.