Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which countermeasure involves the use of policies for password protection?

1. Content filtering

2. Automated antimalware solutions

3. Password and threshold lockouts

4. Code signing

The correct answer is: Password and threshold lockouts

The use of policies for password protection is best reflected in the practice of implementing password and threshold lockouts. This countermeasure is focused on establishing rules and guidelines that govern password complexity, expiration, re-use policies, and account lockout mechanisms after a specified number of failed login attempts. Password policies are crucial in enhancing security by ensuring that users create strong passwords that are difficult to guess or crack. Additionally, threshold lockouts prevent unauthorized access attempts by temporarily locking out an account after a certain number of unsuccessful login attempts, thereby thwarting potential brute-force attacks. This approach not only protects user accounts but also reinforces the need for accountability and responsible usage of credentials among users. Other options such as content filtering, automated antimalware solutions, and code signing do not directly address the specific aspect of password protection policies. Content filtering pertains to controlling data flows and preventing unwanted content, automated antimalware solutions focus on detecting and preventing malware threats, and code signing ensures the integrity and authenticity of software. These are important security measures but do not encapsulate the management and enforcement of password policies.