How does security in a distributed file system using mutual authentication differ from file security in a multi-user host?

The correct answer is B. Access control cannot rely on the Operating System (OS), and eavesdropping. In a distributed file system with mutual authentication, access control must be enforced across multiple nodes and networks, so it cannot rely solely on a single host's OS; instead, it depends on distributed authentication and authorization mechanisms (such as certificates, token

Submitted by valeria.br· Mar 5, 2026Security Architecture and Engineering

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AAccess control can rely on the Operating System (OS), but eavesdropping is
BAccess control cannot rely on the Operating System (OS), and eavesdropping
CAccess control can rely on the Operating System (OS), and eavesdropping is
DAccess control cannot rely on the Operating System (OS), and eavesdropping

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A
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B
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C
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D
12% (3)

Explanation

In a distributed file system with mutual authentication, access control must be enforced across multiple nodes and networks, so it cannot rely solely on a single host's OS; instead, it depends on distributed authentication and authorization mechanisms (such as certificates, tokens, or directory services). At the same time, because data travels over the network, eavesdropping is a real risk, so encryption and mutual authentication are used to protect confidentiality and prevent man-in- the-middle attacks. In contrast, in a multi-user host, access control can usually be managed directly by the local OS (file permissions, user groups, etc.), and eavesdropping is less of a concern if the host is physically and logically isolated.

Topics

#distributed file system security#mutual authentication#eavesdropping#network security

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