Network Defense Essentials (NDE) Practice Exam

What is the primary concern addressed by network defenders when monitoring for suspicious activities?

1. Data loss prevention

2. Service uptime

3. Malware detection

4. Preventing unauthorized access

The correct answer is: Preventing unauthorized access

Network defenders prioritize preventing unauthorized access as their primary concern when monitoring for suspicious activities. This focus stems from the need to safeguard sensitive systems and data from intruders who may exploit vulnerabilities in the network. By identifying and mitigating unauthorized access attempts, defenders aim to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of the organization's information assets. Monitoring for suspicious activities often includes analyzing login attempts, detecting unusual behavior patterns, and recognizing potential indicators of compromise. This proactive approach helps to deter attackers from gaining footholds within the organization, thereby enhancing overall security posture and ensuring that legitimate users have uninterrupted access to necessary resources. Although other aspects like data loss prevention, service uptime, and malware detection are also essential components of a comprehensive security strategy, unauthorized access remains a foundational concern. If unauthorized users gain access, they can exploit sensitive data or disrupt services, placing the entire network at risk. Thus, focusing on preventing unauthorized access is critical for effective network defense.