New Release Cybersecurity-Architecture-and-Engineering Courses and Certificates Questions

The correct answer is D — Upgrade the remaining end-of-life machines.

As outlined in WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), the best way to address end-of-life systems is to upgrade them to supported versions. End-of-life systems no longer receive security patches, leaving them highly vulnerable. Upgrading restores security and compliance.

Shutting down (A), disconnecting (B), or blocking (C) are temporary solutions that may disrupt operations but do not solve the root problem.

Reference Extract from Study Guide:

"Upgrading end-of-life systems is critical to restoring security and compliance, as unsupported systems are vulnerable to exploitation."

— WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), Vulnerability Management and Remediation

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Parallel conversion is a system deployment method where the new system is implemented and runs alongside the old system for a period of time. This method allows for:

Comparison of outputs: Ensuring that the new system produces the same or better results as the old system.

Risk reduction: If there are issues with the new system, the old system can still be used without interrupting business operations.

User adaptation: Users can get accustomed to the new system while still having access to the familiar old system.

Parallel conversion is often used to minimize the risk associated with deploying a new system.

References

Harold Kerzner, "Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling," Wiley.

Kathy Schwalbe, "Information Technology Project Management," Cengage Learning.

The correct answer is A — Electronic codebook (ECB).

According to WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), ECB mode is the simplest and most basic mode of operation for block ciphers. It encrypts each block of plaintext independently with the same key, but identical plaintext blocks produce identical ciphertext blocks, providing no additional confidentiality beyond the block cipher itself and making patterns visible.

CBC (B), CTR (C), and OFB (D) are more secure and avoid patterns.

Reference Extract from Study Guide:

"Electronic Codebook (ECB) mode encrypts each block independently and is simple but reveals patterns when identical plaintext blocks occur, thus offering minimal confidentiality beyond the underlying cipher."

— WGU Cybersecurity Architecture and Engineering (KFO1 / D488), Block Cipher Modes of Operation

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Intranet Application Software:

Intranet applications are designed to be used within an organization’s internal network. They are not accessible from outside the organization unless through a secure connection like a VPN.

Characteristics:

Internal Hosting: These applications are hosted on servers within the business network, ensuring that only authorized internal users can access them.

Security: Since they are hosted internally, they can be secured with internal security measures like firewalls and access controls.

Incorrect Options:

A: Describes applications hosted by external providers.

C: Describes applications hosted by third-party web portals.

D: Describes standalone applications on individual computers.