CREST Practitioner Security Analyst (CPSA) Practice

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Which protocol is primarily used for time synchronization in networked systems?

Remote Procedure Call
Network Time Protocol
Post Office Protocol version 3
Kerberos

The correct answer is: Network Time Protocol

The Network Time Protocol (NTP) is primarily used for time synchronization in networked systems due to its ability to synchronize clocks of computers over packet-switched, variable-latency data networks. NTP operates over UDP and is designed to ensure accurate timekeeping, allowing systems to coordinate and log events in a consistent manner, which is essential for various applications, especially those requiring timestamping and coordination across multiple systems. NTP can synchronize time to within milliseconds over the internet and even more accurately within local area networks. Its hierarchical system of time sources, known as stratums, enables it to retrieve time from reliable atomic clocks and distribute it reliably to connected devices. In contrast, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is a protocol that enables programs to execute procedures on different systems over a network but is not designed for time synchronization. Post Office Protocol version 3 (POP3) is used for retrieving email from a mail server, and Kerberos is an authentication protocol for secure communication rather than time synchronization. Each of these alternatives serves distinct functions that do not relate to synchronizing time amongst networked systems.