Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) CybersecuritySecurity PrinciplesEasy

A small business is setting up its first network and wants to ensure that only authorized devices can connect to its Wi-Fi. Which security concept is primarily being addressed by implementing a strong pre-shared key (PSK) and MAC address filtering?

  1. ANon-repudiation
  2. BAccess Control
  3. CAvailability
  4. DConfidentiality
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Access Control

Access control is the security concept that governs who or what can access a resource. Implementing a strong PSK and MAC address filtering directly controls which devices are allowed onto the network, thus enforcing access control.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. Non-repudiation ensures that an action cannot be denied, which is unrelated to network access filtering.
  • C. Availability ensures that systems and data are accessible when needed, which is not the primary focus here.
  • D. Confidentiality protects data from unauthorized disclosure, which is a secondary effect, not the primary goal of filtering access.

Access Control

Access control is a security technique that regulates who or what can view or use resources in a computing environment. It is a fundamental component of security that dictates who is allowed to access what data and resources.

  • Restricts access to authorized users/devices.
  • Can be physical or logical.
  • Often implemented using authentication and authorization.

Memory trick: Access control is like a bouncer at a club, letting only the right people in.

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