Which of the following is the primary security feature of a proxy server?
A. Virus Detection
B. URL blocking
C. Route blocking
D. Content filtering
A. Virus Detection
B. URL blocking
C. Route blocking
D. Content filtering
Correct Answer: D
Explanation:
In many organizations, the HTTP proxy is used as a means to implement content filtering, for instance, by logging or blocking traffic that has been defined as, or is assumed to be nonbusiness related for some reason.
Although filtering on a proxy server or firewall as part of a layered defense can be quite effective to prevent, for instance, virus infections (though it should never be the only protection against viruses), it will be only moderately effective in preventing access to unauthorized services (such as certain remote-access services or file sharing), as well as preventing the download of unwanted content. HTTP Tunneling.
HTTP tunneling is technically a misuse of the protocol on the part of the designer of such tunneling applications. It has become a popular feature with the rise of the first streaming video and audio applications and has been implemented into many applications that have a market need to bypass user policy restrictions.
Usually, HTTP tunneling is applied by encapsulating outgoing traffic from an application in an HTTP request and incoming traffic in a response. This is usually not done to circumvent security, but rather, to be compatible with existing firewall rules and allow an application to function through a firewall without the need to apply special rules, or additional configurations.
The following are incorrect choices:
Virus Detection A proxy is not best at detection malware and viruses within content. A antivirus product would be use for that purpose.
URL blocking This would be a subset of Proxying, based on the content some URL’s may be blocked by the proxy but it is not doing filtering based on URL addresses only. This is not the BEST answer.
Route blocking This is a function that would be done by Intrusion Detection and Intrusion prevention system and not the proxy. This could be done by filtering devices such as Firewalls and Routers as well. Again, not the best choice.
Reference(s) used for this question: Hernandez CISSP, Steven (2012-12-21). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 6195-6201). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition.
Although filtering on a proxy server or firewall as part of a layered defense can be quite effective to prevent, for instance, virus infections (though it should never be the only protection against viruses), it will be only moderately effective in preventing access to unauthorized services (such as certain remote-access services or file sharing), as well as preventing the download of unwanted content. HTTP Tunneling.
HTTP tunneling is technically a misuse of the protocol on the part of the designer of such tunneling applications. It has become a popular feature with the rise of the first streaming video and audio applications and has been implemented into many applications that have a market need to bypass user policy restrictions.
Usually, HTTP tunneling is applied by encapsulating outgoing traffic from an application in an HTTP request and incoming traffic in a response. This is usually not done to circumvent security, but rather, to be compatible with existing firewall rules and allow an application to function through a firewall without the need to apply special rules, or additional configurations.
The following are incorrect choices:
Virus Detection A proxy is not best at detection malware and viruses within content. A antivirus product would be use for that purpose.
URL blocking This would be a subset of Proxying, based on the content some URL’s may be blocked by the proxy but it is not doing filtering based on URL addresses only. This is not the BEST answer.
Route blocking This is a function that would be done by Intrusion Detection and Intrusion prevention system and not the proxy. This could be done by filtering devices such as Firewalls and Routers as well. Again, not the best choice.
Reference(s) used for this question: Hernandez CISSP, Steven (2012-12-21). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 6195-6201). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition.