Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What countermeasure helps prevent sensitive data from being exposed?

1. Use AES encryption for stored data

2. Use a basic firewall

3. Employ user authentication

4. Regularly update software

The correct answer is: Use AES encryption for stored data

Using AES encryption for stored data is a powerful countermeasure against the exposure of sensitive information. AES, or Advanced Encryption Standard, is a symmetric encryption algorithm widely recognized for its strength in securing data. When data is encrypted, even if an unauthorized party gains access to it, they will only encounter unreadable ciphertext rather than the actual sensitive information. This makes it significantly more difficult for attackers to utilize the stolen data, as they would need the appropriate decryption key to access the original content. While the other measures listed are important for overall security, they do not directly prevent data exposure in the same robust way that AES encryption does. User authentication enhances control over who can access data but does not protect data at rest from exposure if an attacker circumvents access controls. Firewalls are instrumental in controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic but are less effective at protecting stored data. Regular software updates are crucial for patching vulnerabilities, but again, they do not provide the same level of direct protection for sensitive data itself. Therefore, AES encryption stands out as the most effective means to ensure that stored sensitive data remains secure against unauthorized access and potential exposure.