Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which practice helps defend against web server attacks?

1. Screen and filter incoming traffic requests

2. Allow all incoming requests

3. Disable firewall temporarily

4. Use default passwords

The correct answer is: Screen and filter incoming traffic requests

Screening and filtering incoming traffic requests is a crucial practice for defending against web server attacks. By carefully monitoring and controlling the types of requests that the server accepts, potential threats can be identified and mitigated before they impact the system. This practice involves analyzing the traffic for patterns that may indicate malicious intent, such as unusual request methods, requests for known vulnerabilities, or excessive amounts of traffic from a single source. By implementing measures like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and application layer filtering, administrators can effectively block harmful traffic and enhance the overall security posture of the web server. Allowing all incoming requests compromises security by exposing the server to potential threats, while disabling the firewall temporarily removes a critical layer of protection. Using default passwords significantly undermines security because such credentials are often well-known and exploited by attackers. Therefore, screening and filtering requests help ensure that only legitimate and safe traffic reaches the web server, making it an essential practice for defense against attacks.