Which Two Methods Can Be Used To Harden A Computing Device? (Choose Two.)

To harden a computing device, you can implement methods like installing security patches regularly and enabling firewalls. These measures reduce vulnerabilities and enhance security. For more detailed guidance on device hardening, visit Study4Pass for comprehensive exam dumps and practice materials to help you prepare effectively.

Tech Professionals

21 April 2025

CompTIA

Which Two Methods Can Be Used To Harden A Computing Device? (Choose Two.)

In the world of cybersecurity, the concept of "hardening" a computing device refers to the process of securing it by reducing its surface of vulnerability. A hardened system is less likely to be compromised by attackers. For the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam, understanding the methods to harden a computing device is crucial. This article will walk you through some of the key techniques used to harden devices and explain their relevance to the SY0-601 exam.

Hardening a computing device ensures that it operates securely, mitigating the risks of external and internal threats. The focus of this article will be on answering the question: "Which two methods can be used to harden a computing device? (Choose Two.)" while providing you with in-depth study material on this topic for the CompTIA Security+ exam.

What Does "Hardening" Mean in Computing?

Hardening a computing device involves modifying its settings and configurations to improve security. This typically includes removing unnecessary software, setting up proper permissions, encrypting sensitive data, and ensuring that only necessary services are running. The goal of hardening is to protect the system from various cyber threats such as malware, hacking attempts, and data breaches.

Common Methods Used for Hardening Devices

There are numerous techniques available to secure computing devices, and for the CompTIA Security+ exam, the ability to understand and apply these methods is essential. Some common hardening techniques include:

Disabling Unnecessary Services
Configuring Firewalls
Installing Antivirus and Anti-malware Software
Regular Software Updates
User Account Management
Encryption
Physical Security Measures

However, for this article, we'll focus on two critical methods: disabling unnecessary services and installing antivirus and anti-malware software. These methods are frequently discussed in the CompTIA Security+ exam and form part of the essential toolkit for securing a computing device.

Method 1: Disabling Unnecessary Services

Disabling unnecessary services is one of the most effective ways to harden a computing device. Services are software components that run on a computer or network, performing tasks such as file sharing, print spooling, or network communication. While some services are essential for the functioning of an operating system, others are not needed for regular operations. Each running service can serve as an entry point for an attacker.

Why Disabling Unnecessary Services is Crucial?

Disabling services that are not required for a particular system can significantly reduce the attack surface. Attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in services that are unnecessarily running on a system. By disabling non-essential services, the risk of exploitation is minimized.

For instance, services like Telnet, SMB (Server Message Block), or FTP can be disabled if they are not used. These services, if left enabled, can provide attackers with access to the system, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain control of the device.

How to Disable Unnecessary Services?

Here are a few steps to disable unnecessary services on a computing device:

Windows Operating System:
Open the "Services" application by typing services.msc in the search bar. Then, review the list of services and disable those that are not needed. For example, you can disable services like Remote Desktop or Windows Print Spooler if they are not required for the system's operations.
Linux/Unix Operating System:
On Linux or Unix-based systems, services are managed through the systemctl command. To disable a service, you can use the command systemctl disable . For example, to disable an FTP service, you would enter systemctl disable vsftpd.

By following these steps, unnecessary services are effectively turned off, reducing potential vulnerabilities on the system.

Method 2: Installing Antivirus and Anti-malware Software

Another critical method to harden a computing device is by installing antivirus and anti-malware software. These tools are designed to detect, prevent, and remove malicious software (malware) that can compromise the integrity of a system. In the context of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam, understanding the importance of these software solutions in maintaining system security is vital.

Why Antivirus and Anti-malware Software are Necessary?

Malware, which includes viruses, worms, ransomware, spyware, and other malicious software, can cause significant damage to computing devices. It can compromise sensitive information, slow down system performance, and even result in a total system breach.

Antivirus and anti-malware tools play a crucial role in preventing malware infections. These tools are designed to scan files and applications for known threats and vulnerabilities. They also monitor for unusual behavior that could indicate a malware infection, such as unauthorized access attempts or data modifications.

How Antivirus and Anti-malware Software Protect Systems?

Real-time Protection:
Most modern antivirus and anti-malware software provides real-time protection, which actively scans files as they are accessed or downloaded. This ensures that malware is detected before it can cause any harm to the system.
Scheduled Scans:
These tools can be set to perform scheduled scans of the system, ensuring that the device is regularly checked for any new threats or infections.
Automatic Updates:
Antivirus software is frequently updated with the latest definitions for newly discovered malware. This helps ensure the device is protected from the latest threats.
Quarantine and Removal:
If a piece of malware is detected, the antivirus software often places it in quarantine, preventing it from spreading. The user is then given the option to delete or repair the infected file.

Popular antivirus programs, such as Norton, McAfee, and Bitdefender, offer a range of features designed to protect your computing device against malware and other security threats.

Why These Two Methods Are Important for CompTIA Security+ (SY0-601) Exam?

For the SY0-601 exam, you need to understand how to protect systems and networks from potential threats. Disabling unnecessary services and installing antivirus software are two of the most commonly tested methods for securing computing devices.

Disabling unnecessary services is a direct way to minimize the system's exposure to attacks by reducing the number of services running that could be exploited. Similarly, installing antivirus and anti-malware software is a fundamental part of any security strategy, as it provides a proactive defense mechanism against harmful software.

In the exam, you may be asked to identify which methods can be used to harden a device, and these two methods will often appear as options. A well-rounded knowledge of both techniques ensures you’re well-prepared.

The Role of Study4Pass for SY0-601 Preparation

When preparing for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Exam, having the right resources is key to achieving success. Study4Pass offers an excellent platform for exam preparation, providing high-quality study materials, practice exams, and guides that align with the latest exam objectives.

Why Choose Study4Pass?

Comprehensive Study Materials:
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Practice Tests:
The practice tests offered by Study4Pass are invaluable for exam preparation. They simulate the real exam environment, helping you get a feel for the types of questions you will encounter. Practicing with these tests boosts your confidence and improves your chances of passing the exam on the first attempt.
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For those preparing for the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam, Study4Pass provides a solid foundation for your success. You can rely on their well-structured resources to guide you through all the essential topics, including hardening computing devices and other critical security concepts.

Final Verdicts

Hardening a computing device is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, and understanding how to implement specific hardening techniques is a key part of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 exam. Disabling unnecessary services and installing antivirus software are two fundamental methods for securing a system against potential threats. These techniques not only reduce the risk of exploitation but also improve the overall security posture of the device.

For anyone preparing for the CompTIA Security+ exam, Study4Pass is a valuable resource that can help you master these concepts and more. By utilizing their comprehensive study materials and practice exams, you can ensure that you're well-prepared for the challenges of the SY0-601 exam.

With the right preparation, securing computing devices and achieving certification in cybersecurity can be a seamless and rewarding process.