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CV0-003 · Question #112

A system administrator is tasked to harden a server so that it is not accessible using HTTP. Which of the following tools or techniques should the administrator use to accomplish this? (Select two.)

The correct answer is C. Encryption software D. Disable port 80. To block HTTP access, the server must disable port 80 to stop incoming HTTP connections and use encryption software to enforce HTTPS, ensuring no plaintext HTTP traffic is accepted. These two controls work at the host service level to eliminate HTTP accessibility.

Security

Question

A system administrator is tasked to harden a server so that it is not accessible using HTTP. Which of the following tools or techniques should the administrator use to accomplish this? (Select two.)

Options

  • AChange default passwords on the server
  • BAntivirus software
  • CEncryption software
  • DDisable port 80
  • EDisable port 443
  • FFirewall
  • GPatch management server

How the community answered

(29 responses)
  • A
    3% (1)
  • C
    79% (23)
  • F
    3% (1)
  • G
    14% (4)

Why each option

To block HTTP access, the server must disable port 80 to stop incoming HTTP connections and use encryption software to enforce HTTPS, ensuring no plaintext HTTP traffic is accepted. These two controls work at the host service level to eliminate HTTP accessibility.

AChange default passwords on the server

Changing default passwords strengthens authentication security but does not affect which network ports or protocols are open and accessible on the server.

BAntivirus software

Antivirus software detects and removes malware but has no mechanism for controlling network port availability or blocking specific application-layer protocols like HTTP.

CEncryption softwareCorrect

Encryption software (SSL/TLS) enables HTTPS on the server, replacing unencrypted HTTP with encrypted communications and rendering the server inaccessible via plaintext HTTP. Implementing TLS is a direct hardening step that forces all web traffic to use encrypted channels.

DDisable port 80Correct

Disabling port 80 removes the default HTTP listener at the host level, causing any client attempting an HTTP connection to be refused at the transport layer, which directly and reliably prevents HTTP access to the server.

EDisable port 443

Port 443 is the default port for HTTPS (encrypted web traffic); disabling it would eliminate secure access, which is the opposite of the hardening goal.

FFirewall

A network firewall can filter traffic at the perimeter but does not disable the HTTP service on the server itself, leaving the server vulnerable if the firewall rule is ever misconfigured or bypassed.

GPatch management server

A patch management server automates software updates and vulnerability remediation but does not configure, disable, or control network ports or protocols on managed servers.

Concept tested: Disabling HTTP via host-level port and encryption controls

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/iis/manage/configuring-security/how-to-set-up-ssl-on-iis

Topics

#server hardening#port 80#firewall rules#HTTP access control

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