Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What can be implemented to protect data in transit against exploits?

1. Use a virtual local area network

2. Implement encryption

3. Use firewalls only

4. Regular system updates

The correct answer is: Implement encryption

Implementing encryption is a critical measure for protecting data in transit from potential exploits. Encryption transforms readable data into an encoded format that can only be decoded with a specific key. This means that if the data is intercepted during transmission, it remains unintelligible without the decryption key, thus safeguarding it from unauthorized access and manipulation. Encryption protocols such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) and VPN (Virtual Private Network) technologies are widely used to secure communications over the internet and within private networks. These practices ensure that sensitive information, such as personal data or financial transactions, is protected as it travels across potentially insecure networks. While other options like virtual local area networks (VLANs), firewalls, and regular updates are important components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, they primarily focus on other aspects of network security rather than directly securing the contents of the data being transmitted. VLANs can help isolate network segments, firewalls can monitor and filter incoming and outgoing traffic, and regular updates are essential for patching vulnerabilities, but none of these measures alone offer the robust protection against data interception that encryption provides.