Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

What technique can prevent software from being reverse engineered?

1. Obfuscation

2. Simple coding techniques

3. Clear documentation

4. Offering free trials

The correct answer is: Obfuscation

Obfuscation is a technique specifically designed to make code more difficult to understand and analyze, thus preventing reverse engineering. When software is obfuscated, its original logic and structure are transformed into a version that is challenging for an unauthorized individual to comprehend. This process may involve renaming variables to meaningless names, altering the code structure, or inserting misleading code paths that do not affect the program's functionality, all of which add complexity to the analysis process. By utilizing obfuscation, developers can protect their intellectual property and deter attackers from easily replicating or modifying their software. This approach is particularly important in contexts where software includes sensitive algorithms or proprietary processes that, if understood, could compromise the software's integrity or security. Other techniques, such as simple coding methods, clear documentation, or offering free trials, do not inherently provide the same level of protection against reverse engineering as obfuscation does. Simple coding techniques may lead to straightforward code that can be easily analyzed, while clear documentation can give potential attackers insights into how the software operates. Offering free trials does not offer any protective benefits; instead, it allows potential users or attackers access to the software itself, which could facilitate reverse engineering efforts.