CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

What is the primary purpose of LDAP?

1. Database access for directory services

2. Managing encryption keys

3. Web server access control

4. Transport layer security

The correct answer is: Database access for directory services

The primary purpose of LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) is to serve as a protocol for accessing and maintaining distributed directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It enables users to query and modify a directory service, typically used to store information about users, groups, and devices. This allows applications and services to retrieve data about the directory entries, making it an essential component for managing identities and resources within an enterprise. In practical terms, LDAP is often utilized for authentication and authorization processes since it centralizes user data, making it easier to manage user access to various services and applications. Its lightweight nature makes it efficient for managing directory information, which is vital in many environments where user access needs to be controlled systematically. In contrast, the other options represent different concepts. Managing encryption keys pertains to cryptography rather than directory access, while web server access control relates specifically to managing permissions for web applications. Transport layer security (TLS) is focused on securing communication over a computer network, rather than directory services. Thus, the understanding of LDAP’s role as a specialized protocol for directory services solidifies its identification as the correct answer.