N10-009 · Question #509
A network technician is attempting to harden a commercial switch that was recently purchased. Which of the following hardening techniques best mitigates the use of publicly available information?
The correct answer is A. Changing the default password. Changing the default password is one of the most effective and essential hardening steps, as default credentials are widely known and publicly available. Leaving them unchanged poses a major security risk. Blocking inbound SSH connections might limit remote management but…
Question
A network technician is attempting to harden a commercial switch that was recently purchased. Which of the following hardening techniques best mitigates the use of publicly available information?
Options
- AChanging the default password
- BBlocking inbound SSH connections
- CRemoving the gateway from the network configuration
- DRestricting physical access to the switch
How the community answered
(30 responses)- A77% (23)
- B7% (2)
- C3% (1)
- D13% (4)
Explanation
Changing the default password is one of the most effective and essential hardening steps, as default credentials are widely known and publicly available. Leaving them unchanged poses a major security risk. Blocking inbound SSH connections might limit remote management but doesn’t specifically address default/public info. Removing the gateway may affect network connectivity but does not harden against credential-based risks. Restricting physical access is important, but it doesn't mitigate the risk from publicly known login credentials. Changing default passwords directly addresses the risk of using publicly available information.
Community Discussion
No community discussion yet for this question.