Technology and Communications Flashcards
7 cards from real CFPT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Technology and Communications flashcards as text
What is the role of the Diplomatic Security (DS) Cyber Division in supporting consular operations?
Answer: Protecting State Department networks and investigating cybersecurity incidents
DS Cyber Division is responsible for defending State Department IT infrastructure, monitoring threats, and investigating cyber incidents that could compromise diplomatic and consular operations.
Which international standard framework is commonly referenced for information security management in government and diplomatic contexts?
Answer: ISO/IEC 27001
ISO/IEC 27001 is the internationally recognized standard for information security management systems, widely referenced alongside NIST frameworks in government contexts.
A consular officer discovers that a colleague has been accessing visa applicant records for individuals unrelated to any pending application. What should the officer do?
Answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor or the Inspector General
Unauthorized access to records is a serious Privacy Act and security violation that must be reported through proper channels such as a supervisor or the Inspector General.
What is the primary function of a firewall in protecting a consular post's computer network?
Answer: Monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules
A firewall enforces security policies by filtering network traffic, blocking unauthorized access while allowing legitimate communications.
Which practice best mitigates the risk of 'shoulder surfing' when a consular officer processes sensitive visa applications?
Answer: Positioning the monitor away from public view and using a privacy screen
Privacy screens and careful monitor positioning prevent unauthorized individuals from viewing sensitive information being displayed on a screen.
What does 'data minimization' mean in the context of handling visa applicant information?
Answer: Collecting and retaining only the personal data necessary for the specific purpose
Data minimization is a privacy principle requiring that only the minimum amount of personal information necessary for a stated purpose be collected and retained.
When is it permissible for a U.S. consular officer to use a personal cloud storage service (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive) to store work-related documents?
Answer: Never — government documents must be stored on authorized government systems
Government documents, even if unclassified, must be stored on authorized government systems — personal cloud services are never approved for official use.