CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Test

What process is vital for securing communication between a web server and client?

1. Data handling

2. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

3. Firewall utilization

4. Network segmentation

The correct answer is: Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

The process vital for securing communication between a web server and a client is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), which has evolved into Transport Layer Security (TLS). SSL/TLS protocols establish a secure channel over an insecure network, providing encryption, integrity, and authentication. This means that the data exchanged between the client and server is encrypted, making it difficult for attackers to intercept, read, or manipulate the information. SSL/TLS helps to confirm the identity of the communicating parties, ensuring that the client is actually connecting to the intended web server and not to an imposter. It also safeguards against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. While other processes such as data handling, firewall utilization, and network segmentation contribute to overall security posture, they do not specifically address the direct need for securing the data in transit between a client and server. Data handling focuses on how information is processed and stored; firewalls create barriers between trusted and untrusted networks; and network segmentation divides a network into smaller segments to enhance security, but none of these inherently provide the encryption and secure communication channel that SSL/TLS offers.