CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

In a networking context, how would you define a netgroup?

1. A group of hosts that share identical security settings

2. A collection of user accounts for access control

3. A formatted list of secure access protocols

4. A network of systems that interact with physical devices

The correct answer is: A group of hosts that share identical security settings

A netgroup is defined as a collection of hosts that share identical security settings, which means that they are grouped together in a way that allows for consistent application of security policies across all the systems in that group. This grouping makes it easier to manage and enforce security measures, ensuring that all systems within the netgroup operate under the same level of protection and adhere to the same security protocols. This concept is particularly relevant in scenarios where maintaining uniform security configurations across multiple devices is crucial for reducing vulnerabilities and managing risks effectively. By categorizing hosts into netgroups based on their security settings, administrators can efficiently manage security policies, updates, and compliance. Other options, while related to networking or security, do not accurately define a netgroup. For example, a collection of user accounts pertains more to identity and access management than to host security settings. A formatted list of secure access protocols refers to the specifications for communication security rather than a grouping of networked hosts. Lastly, a network of systems that interact with physical devices describes a broader set of operational contexts without a specific focus on security settings shared among hosts.