Question

You are the IT security administrator for a small corporate network. You need to increase the security on the switch in the networking closet. The following table lists the used and unused ports: Unused Ports: GE2, GE7, GE9-GE20, GE25, GE27-GE28. Used Ports: GE1, GE3-GE6, GE8, GE21-GE24, GE26. In this lab, your task is to: Shut down the unused ports. Configure the following Port Security settings for the used ports: Interface Status: Lock, Learning Mode: Classic, LockAction on Violation: Discard. What is the task you need to perform to increase the security on the switch in the networking closet?

1) Shut down the used ports
2) Configure the unused ports
3) Shut down the unused ports
4) Configure the used ports

Answer 1

To increase security on the switch in the networking closet, you need to perform the task of: 3) Shut down the unused ports.

Step-by-step explanation:

Unused Ports:

The first step is to identify and secure the unused ports. Shutting down these ports helps prevent unauthorized access or potential security threats associated with open network connections.

Port Security Settings for Used Ports:

For the used ports, you need to configure specific Port Security settings to enhance network security. These settings include setting the Interface Status to "Lock," Learning Mode to "Classic," and configuring the LockAction on Violation as "Discard."

Reasoning:

Shutting down the used ports (Option 1) would disrupt network connectivity, making it an undesirable action. Configuring the unused ports (Option 2) is unnecessary for security improvement. Configuring the used ports (Option 4) is essential, but the primary task is shutting down the unused ports to minimize potential vulnerabilities.

Therefore, the correct task to perform is: 3) Shut down the unused ports.

Option C is the answer.