CLO-002 CompTIA Exam Lab Questions

 A hash value is a unique code that is generated by applying a mathematical algorithm to a piece of data. Hash values are used to ensure the integrity of data, which means that the data has not been altered or corrupted in any way. By comparing the hash value of the original data with the hash value of the received or stored data, one can verify that the data is identical and has not been tampered with. Hash values can also be used for digital signatures, which provide non-repudiation of data, meaning that the sender or owner of the data cannot deny its authenticity or origin. However, hash values alone do not provide confidentiality or availability of data, which are other aspects of data security. Confidentiality means that the data is protected from unauthorized access or disclosure, and availability means that the data is accessible and usable when needed. Hash values do not encrypt or hide the data, nor do they prevent data loss or downtime. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 5: Cloud Security Principles, Section 5.2: Data Security Concepts, Page 1471 and Ensuring Data Integrity with Hash Codes - .NET | Microsoft Learn

According to the CompTIA Cloud Essentials objectives and documents, SaaS, or Software as a Service, is the best option for describing a cloud-hosted application in which the end user only creates user access and configures options. SaaS is a cloud service model that delivers and manages software applications over the internet, without requiring the end user to install, update, or maintain any software or hardware on their own devices. SaaS applications are typically accessed through a web browser or a mobile app, and the end user only pays for the usage or subscription of the service. SaaS providers are responsible for the infrastructure, platform, security, and maintenance of the software applications, and the end user only needs to create user access and configure options according to their preferences and needs. SaaS applications are usually designed for specific purposes or functions, such as email, collaboration, CRM, ERP, or accounting.

The other service models are not as suitable for describing a cloud-hosted application in which the end user only creates user access and configures options. MaaS, or Monitoring as a Service, is a type of cloud service that provides monitoring and management of cloud resources and services, such as performance, availability, security, or compliance. MaaS is not a cloud-hosted application, but rather a cloud service that supports other cloud applications. PaaS, or Platform as a Service, is a cloud service model that delivers and manages the hardware and software resources to develop, test, and deploy applications through the cloud. PaaS provides the end user with a cloud-based platform that includes the operating system, middleware, runtime, database, and other tools and services. PaaS providers are responsible for the infrastructure, security, and maintenance of the platform, and the end user only needs to write and manage the code and data of their applications. PaaS applications are usually customized and developed by the end user, rather than provided by the cloud service provider. IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service, is a cloud service model that delivers and manages the basic computing resources, such as servers, storage, networking, and virtualization, over the internet. IaaS provides the end user with a cloud-based infrastructure that can be used to run any software or application. IaaS providers are responsible for the hardware, security, and maintenance of the infrastructure, and the end user is responsible for the operating system, middleware, runtime, database, and applications. IaaS applications are usually more complex and require more configuration and management by the end user, rather than by the cloud service provider.

Availability zones and geo-redundancy are two strategies that can help minimize downtime for a SaaS application. Availability zones are distinct locations within a cloud region that are isolated from each other and have independent power, cooling, and networking. They provide high availability and fault tolerance by allowing the SaaS application to run on multiple servers across different zones. If one zone fails, the application can continue to operate on the other zones without interruption. Geo-redundancy is the replication of data and services across multiple geographic regions. It provides disaster recovery and business continuity by allowing the SaaS application to switch to another region in case of a major outage or a natural disaster. Geo-redundancy also improves performance and latency by serving users from the nearest region. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 3: Cloud Business Principles, Section 3.3: Cloud Service Level Agreements, Page 751 and Chapter 4: Cloud Design Principles, Section 4.3: Cloud Scalability and Elasticity, Page 1172

An audit policy is a set of rules and guidelines that define how to monitor and record the activities and events that occur on a system or network1. An audit policy can help track and report the actions of users, applications, processes, or devices, and provide evidence of compliance, security, or performance issues. An audit policy can also help deter unauthorized or malicious activities, as the users know that their actions are being logged and reviewed.

A cloud administrator who configures a server to insert an entry into a log file whenever an administrator logs in to the server remotely is using an audit policy, as they are enabling the collection and recording of a specific event that relates to the access and management of the server. The log file can then be used to verify the identity, time, and frequency of the administrator logins, and to detect any anomalies or suspicious activities.

An authorization policy is a set of rules and guidelines that define what actions or resources a user or a system can access or perform2. An authorization policy can help enforce the principle of least privilege, which means that users or systems are only granted the minimum level of access or permissions they need to perform their tasks. An authorization policy can also help prevent unauthorized or malicious activities, as the users or systems are restricted from accessing or performing actions that are not allowed or necessary.

A hardening policy is a set of rules and guidelines that define how to reduce the attack surface and vulnerability of a system or network3. A hardening policy can help improve the security and resilience of a system or network, by applying various measures such as disabling unnecessary services, removing default accounts, applying patches and updates, configuring firewalls and antivirus software, etc. A hardening policy can also help prevent unauthorized or malicious activities, as the users or systems are faced with more obstacles and challenges to compromise the system or network.

An access policy is a set of rules and guidelines that define who or what can access a system or network, and under what conditions or circumstances4. An access policy can help control the authentication and identification of users or systems, and the verification and validation of their credentials. An access policy can also help prevent unauthorized or malicious activities, as the users or systems are required to prove their identity and legitimacy before accessing the system or network. References: CompTIA Cloud Essentials+ CLO-002 Study Guide, Chapter 6: Cloud Service Management, pages 229-230.