Fundamentals of InfoSecintermediate
Why is relying only on obscurity an inadequate way to protect a system?
Answer
Hidden details alone do not provide a complete, continuing security process.
Explanation
### Why this is right
Obscurity means relying on hidden details to make a system harder to understand. Concealment alone does not address every risk or replace controls, people, and ongoing security work.
### The concept
A system may benefit from not exposing unnecessary details, but an attacker may still discover them. Security should therefore not depend solely on secrecy about design or operation.
### The other options
- **B. Obscurity automatically prevents service disruption.**: Concealment does not ensure that services remain available.
- **C. Obscurity encrypts all information by default.**: Encryption is a distinct technical control; hiding details is not encryption.
- **D. Hidden details make people and physical procedures unnecessary.**: The review treats people and environment as part of security.
### Terms
- **Encryption**: A transformation that makes information unreadable without the required key.
### Remember
Obscurity may conceal details, but it is not a replacement for security controls.
Related Questions
- Explain why computer security is described as a process rather than a product. Include the roles of technology, people, and environment.(intermediate)
- Select ALL items the review identifies as possible security risks or losses.(intermediate)
- Arrange these broad security activities in a sensible cycle, beginning with identifying what needs protection.(intermediate)
- A security product can replace the continuing work of managing people, technology, and the operating environment.(intermediate)
- Which statement best captures the course review’s view of computer security?(intermediate)
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