Archive for the ‘Security+’ Category

PrepLogic Responds to Your Feedback

Friday, June 18th, 2010
Every PrepLogic Practice Exam question includes a “Feedback Link” that allows you to provide feedback or alert us to items you believe may be in error. From time to time we like to address some of your remarks here in our blog. Let’s take a look at some of our recent Practice Exam Feedback.
Our first comment is in regards to a question in our Certified Ethical Hacker (312-50) Practice Exam. The question is:
You are a security consultant hired to perform a wireless penetration test. Which of the following would be considered part of the test? Select the best answers.
A.) Application Testing and Code Review
B.) Cordless Communications Testing
C.) Privacy Review
D.) Infrared Systems Testing
E.) PBX Testing
F.) Intrusion Detection System Testing
The correct answers are B, C and D.
Vincent writes in to say that “IDS testing should be a part of any Pen Testing for WAN or LAN.”
This is an excellent point for discussion. It’s true that IDS, in theory, can be used in the testing of wireless network vulnerabilities, but it isn’t a standard practice according to the CEH exam. IDS testing is essentially meant for wired communications. This journal article notes the need for improvements to IDS systems in order to account for the inherent vulnerabilities in wireless networks, but at this time, IDS systems are not used in this way. In the wireless penetration test example given, Cordless Communications Testing, Privacy Review and Infrared Systems Testing would be considered part of the test.
Our next comment comes from the feedback for our CISSP® Practice Exam. The question is:
Which of the following is NOT a preventative physical access control? Select the best answer.
A.) Biometrics
B.) Fences
C.) Call back systems
D.) CCTV (Closed-Circuit TV)
The correct answer is C, Call back systems, which is a preventative technical access control.
Our commenter asks “Isn’t biometrics considered more of a technical control than a physical control?”
It is true that Biometrics is a technical control.  But it is also a physical control.  Consider that a technical access control mechanism is one that prevents access to systems with the intention of protecting information. Laptops with built-in fingerprint scanners would be an example of biometrics used as a technical access control mechanism.  Physical access control mechanisms are distinguished from technical access control mechanisms, in that they restrict you from physically entering a space you don’t belong.  A finger print scanner at a secure entryway would be a biometric physical access control mechanism. Of the choices listed, Call back systems are not a preventative physical access control.
The final comment we will address today is from PrepLogic’s A+ Practical Application (220-702) Practice Exam. The question is:
Question: You upgrade a system that contains a layered service provider from a previous version of Windows Vista.  The system loses network connectivity when configured for dynamic address assignment. How would you verify that this upgrade is the probable issue? Select the best answer.
A.) Open a command prompt with administrator rights, issue netsh winsock reset and check the listings.
B.) Open a command prompt, issue ipconfig and check for a “169.254.x.x” IPv4 address.
C.) Unplug and reinsert the network card, check for a loose cable and try to ping a nearby host.
D.) Call the Internet Service Provider and contact a network administrator.
The correct answer is B.  The 169.254.x.x is an APIPA address, signifying that the computer has no current network visibility.
An A+ candidate writes that “an APIPA does not verify an upgrade issue. There are many possible reasons for an APIPA. The only thing it verifies is that there is no network connectivity.”
One of the biggest problems with Layered Service Providers is corruption of the TCP/IP stack, usually as a result of improper or incomplete removal of the service.  This is a widely known issue.  If the TCP/IP stack does become corrupted, the computer no longer can access the network and, thus, the computer pulls an APIPA address rather than one assigned by DHCP.  We can verify that the upgrade is the problem on the simple notion of causality.  Before the upgrade, my computer had access to the network.  After the upgrade, my computer pulls an APIPA address, leaving me to believe the TCP/IP stack is corrupted, since the question includes no additional information regarding improper DHCP configuration is included in the stem.
Remember, if you have any comments or questions about a practice question, simply submit your comment and our editorial team will review it. If we made a mistake (we’re only human!) we’ll correct it in a practice exam update. Thanks for your feedback, and good luck on your exams.

Every PrepLogic Practice Exam question includes a “Feedback Link” that allows you to provide feedback or alert us to items you believe may be in error. From time to time we like to address some of your remarks here in our blog. Let’s take a look at some of our recent Practice Exam Feedback.

Our first comment is in regards to a question in our Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) (312-50) Practice Exam. The question is:

You are a security consultant hired to perform a wireless penetration test. Which of the following would be considered part of the test? Select the best answers.

A.) Application Testing and Code Review
B.) Cordless Communications Testing
C.) Privacy Review
D.) Infrared Systems Testing
E.) PBX Testing
F.) Intrusion Detection System Testing

The correct answers are B, C and D.

Vincent writes in to say that “IDS testing should be a part of any Pen Testing for WAN or LAN.”  This is an excellent point for discussion. It’s true that IDS, in theory, can be used in the testing of wireless network vulnerabilities, but it isn’t a standard practice according to the CEH exam. IDS testing is essentially meant for wired communications. This journal article notes the need for improvements to IDS systems in order to account for the inherent vulnerabilities in wireless networks, but at this time, IDS systems are not used in this way. In the wireless penetration test example given, Cordless Communications Testing, Privacy Review and Infrared Systems Testing would be considered part of the test.

Our next comment comes from the feedback for our CISSP® Practice Exam. The question is:

Which of the following is NOT a preventative physical access control? Select the best answer.

A.) Biometrics
B.) Fences
C.) Call back systems
D.) CCTV (Closed-Circuit TV)

The correct answer is C, Call back systems, which is a preventative technical access control.

Our commenter asks “Isn’t biometrics considered more of a technical control than a physical control?” While it is true that Biometrics is a technical control, it is also a physical control.  Consider that a technical access control mechanism is one that prevents access to systems with the intention of protecting information. Laptops with built-in fingerprint scanners would be an example of biometrics used as a technical access control mechanism.  Physical access control mechanisms are distinguished from technical access control mechanisms, in that they restrict you from physically entering a space you don’t belong.  A finger print scanner at a secure entryway would be a biometric physical access control mechanism. Of the choices listed, Call back systems are not a preventative physical access control.

The final comment we will address today is from PrepLogic’s A+ Practical Application (220-702) Practice Exam. The question is:

You upgrade a system that contains a layered service provider from a previous version of Windows Vista.  The system loses network connectivity when configured for dynamic address assignment. How would you verify that this upgrade is the probable issue? Select the best answer.

A.) Open a command prompt with administrator rights, issue netsh winsock reset and check the listings.
B.) Open a command prompt, issue ipconfig and check for a “169.254.x.x” IPv4 address.
C.) Unplug and reinsert the network card, check for a loose cable and try to ping a nearby host.
D.) Call the Internet Service Provider and contact a network administrator.

The correct answer is B.  The 169.254.x.x is an APIPA address, signifying that the computer has no current network visibility.

An A+ candidate writes that “an APIPA does not verify an upgrade issue. There are many possible reasons for an APIPA. The only thing it verifies is that there is no network connectivity.” One of the biggest problems with Layered Service Providers is corruption of the TCP/IP stack, usually as a result of improper or incomplete removal of the service.  This is a widely known issue.  If the TCP/IP stack does become corrupted, the computer no longer can access the network and, thus, the computer pulls an APIPA address rather than one assigned by DHCP.  We can verify that the upgrade is the problem on the simple notion of causality.  Before the upgrade, my computer had access to the network.  After the upgrade, my computer pulls an APIPA address, leaving me to believe the TCP/IP stack is corrupted, since the question includes no additional information regarding improper DHCP configuration is included in the stem.

Remember, if you have any comments or questions about a practice question, simply submit your comment and our editorial team will review it. If we made a mistake (we’re only human!) we’ll correct it in a practice exam update. Thanks for your feedback, and good luck on your exams.

Posted in A+ Certification, CISSP®, Career, Certification, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Microsoft, Preplogic, Security+, Wireless | 2 Comments »

High Tech Jobs on the Rise

Monday, May 24th, 2010

A new article published by the Associated Press has good news for people looking for a job in technology. High-tech jobs, especially positions for individuals with IT certifications, are on the rise.  According to the article, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics rates job prospects as excellent for IT positions  “ranging from network administrators, software engineers and programmers to computer manufacturers, operators and repairers.”

Sources in the article recommend certifications including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ for those interested in taking advantage of the opportunities in the field.

Additionally, the article indicates that the opportunities aren’t limited to high-tech companies. IT positions in the medical field are likely to increase due to the ramping up of online, confidential medical records and documentation.  “Feeding that growth is the more than $25 billion that the federal government plans to spend to expand use of health IT by 2014.”  Positions that should increase in demand include network systems analysts, data communication analysts and software engineers.

For more information about IT certifications and the opportunities they provide, contact PrepLogic’s IT career counselors at 1-800-418-6789.

Posted in A+ Certification, Career, Certification, CompTIA, Preplogic, Security+ | 1 Comment »

PrepLogic Responds to Your Feedback

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

How about another round of QA with your Managing Editor and a few inquisitive customers? Our first item comes from the A+ Essentials (220-701) Practice Exam. The question is:

Your boss wants you to procure an external hard drive for his PC so that it can be quickly backed up. If he wants the quickest backup, which of the following busses should you use? Select the best answer.

A.) IEEE 1394
B.) IEEE 1284
C.) RS-232
D.) USB 2.0

The correct answer is A. Let’s run through why A is the right choice.

Answer choice B, IEEE 1284, is the spec for parallel ports which, when compared to either USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394), is much slower—about 1.5 MB/s. Definitely out. C, RS-232 is the spec for serial ports. Also too slow at 115 KB/s. That leaves A and D. USB 2.0 is an excellent transfer mechanism; but, when compared to FireWire, it’s slower: 480 Mpbs.
Tom from Mariposa CA had a question about the explanation for why FireWire is correct. We explain that FireWire is good for up to 800 Mbps and is, thus, faster than USB 2.0. Tom writes: “IEEE 1394 is 400 Mbps; USB 2.0 is 480 Mbps; IEEE 1394b which is not a choice here, runs at 800.”
Technically, Tom is correct. The b revision for IEEE 1394 is the one that runs at 800 Mbps. But, the community doesn’t refer to FireWire by its revision designation in more common parlance. All things being equal, the IEEE 1394 revision that runs at 400 Mbps is actually IEEE 1394-1995. But we don’t call it that; likewise, we don’t refer to the 2006 revision of the standard as IEEE 1394c-2006. Nor will we call the as yet unreleased (and blazingly fast at 6.2 Gbps!) IEEE 1394 revision as IEEE P1394d. Whatever the currently used FireWire standard is, it will be referred to as IEEE 1394 (or FireWire).

The next item we’ll go over comes from PrepLogic’s CCNA Voice Practice Exam. The question states:
“Using the given analog sound wave diagram, which part of the sound wave depicts the amplitude?” For reference, we’ve included this diagram.

ccna-voice-q43

The answer choices are as follows:

A.) Letter A
B.) Letter B
C.) Letter C
D.) Letter D

The correct answer is B.

James from Melbourne, Australia remarks that he “[does not] agree with… letter B. Self study says it’s… Letter C”.
Here’s the rub: the diagram actually shows two different types of amplitude identified by both Letter B and Letter C. So how do you distinguish? Well, only one type of amplitude is important to telecommunications and, thus, the CCNA Voice exam: peak amplitude. Peak amplitude is exemplified by Letter B. Peak-to-peak amplitude (Letter C) is a common way of measuring amplitude, but peak amplitude—the absolute value of the signal, is more appropriate for this measurement.

The last item we want to discuss comes from PrepLogic’s Security+ (SY0-201) Practice Exam. The question:

Which of the following is NOT true about password security?

A.) Passwords are kept secret at all times.
B.) Passwords are of a minimum sufficient length.
C.) Passwords are of a minimum sufficient strength.
D.) Passwords are generated of personal possessions or preferences.

The correct answer is D.

Stuart from Sierra Vista, AZ writes that he sees two answer choices that are repeated. This is actually another excellent demonstration of how CompTIA creates distracters that pull you away from the correct answer. The problem is that, in reading quickly, answer choices B and C do, indeed, look the same. However, if you look closely you’ll see that answer B indicates passwords “of a minimum sufficient length” while answer C indicates passwords “of a minimum sufficient strength.” This just shows that you have to make sure to read your questions very carefully when taking the test.

Ok, that’s all for now. Check back soon for another installment!

Posted in A+ Certification, CCNA, Certification, CompTIA, Preplogic, Security+, Uncategorized | No Comments »