Operating System Security Flashcards

A user wants to ensure that if their laptop is stolen, the data on the hard drive is unreadable to an unauthorized person. Which of the following Windows features is specifically designed for this purpose?

Answer: BitLocker

BitLocker is a full-volume encryption feature included with Microsoft Windows versions starting with Vista. It is designed to protect data by providing encryption for entire volumes. If a computer is lost or stolen, BitLocker prevents unauthorized access to the data stored on the drive.

Which macOS feature helps prevent the installation of applications from unverified developers, thereby reducing the risk of malware infection?

Answer: Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper is a security feature of macOS that helps protect users from installing malicious software by enforcing code signing and verifying that downloaded applications are from identified developers.

A user receives a security pop-up asking for administrative credentials to proceed with a software installation. Which operating system security mechanism is responsible for generating this prompt to prevent unauthorized changes?

Answer: User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control (UAC) is a security component of Windows that helps prevent unauthorized changes to the operating system. When changes that require administrator-level permission are initiated, UAC asks the user for confirmation or an administrator's password, reducing the risk of malware making unwanted changes.

To maintain a secure operating system, what is the most critical and fundamental routine task a user should perform regularly?

Answer: Applying the latest security patches and updates

Keeping the operating system and installed applications up-to-date with the latest security patches is one of the most important steps to protect against known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malware and attackers.

Which of the following is a primary function of a personal firewall built into an operating system like Windows or macOS?

Answer: To monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic

A personal firewall, such as the one included in Windows and macOS, acts as a barrier between a computer and the network (like the internet). Its main purpose is to filter network traffic, blocking unauthorized incoming connections and controlling which applications can send data out.

A user is working on a public Wi-Fi network and is concerned about their data being intercepted. Besides using a VPN, what operating system feature should be enabled to prevent unsolicited connection attempts from other devices on the same network?

Answer: A host-based firewall

A host-based firewall, which is built into modern operating systems, can be configured to block incoming connection requests. This is especially important on untrusted networks, like public Wi-Fi, to prevent other malicious devices on the network from accessing services on the user's computer.