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WGU C172 – Network and Security Fundamentals
| 150 Realistic Practice Questions with Answers &
Explanations | FREE PDF
Overview:
This WGU C172 ACTUAL exam bundle is designed for students preparing for the
Network and Security Fundamentals Objective Assessment (OA). It covers all core
competencies required to master networking concepts, cybersecurity principles, and
risk management in the WGU curriculum.
1. What is the primary purpose of a computer network?
A. To increase processing speed
B. To share resources and data between systems
C. To store data locally
D. To eliminate the need for servers
Answer: To share resources and data between systems
Explanation: Networks allow devices to share files, printers, applications, and internet access
efficiently.
2. Which network type covers a small geographic area such as an office or home?
A. WAN
B. MAN
C. LAN
D. PAN
Answer: LAN
Explanation: A Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices within a limited area like a
building or campus.
3. What device operates primarily at Layer 2 of the OSI model?
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A. Router
B. Firewall
C. Switch
D. Modem
Answer: Switch
Explanation: Switches operate at the Data Link layer and forward frames based on MAC
addresses.
4. Which OSI layer is responsible for encryption and compression?
A. Application
B. Session
C. Presentation
D. Transport
Answer: Presentation
Explanation: The Presentation layer handles data formatting, encryption, and compression.
5. What protocol is used to securely transfer web traffic?
A. HTTP
B. FTP
C. HTTPS
D. Telnet
Answer: HTTPS
Explanation: HTTPS uses TLS/SSL encryption to secure web communications.
6. Which TCP/IP layer corresponds to the OSI Transport layer?
A. Network Access
B. Internet
C. Transport
D. Application
Answer: Transport
Explanation: The Transport layer exists in both OSI and TCP/IP models and manages end-to-
end communication.
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7. Which protocol uses port 22 by default?
A. FTP
B. Telnet
C. SSH
D. SMTP
Answer: SSH
Explanation: Secure Shell (SSH) provides encrypted remote access using port 22.
8. What is the function of a router?
A. Forward frames within a LAN
B. Route packets between different networks
C. Encrypt data
D. Monitor traffic only
Answer: Route packets between different networks
Explanation: Routers operate at Layer 3 and use IP addresses to route traffic between networks.
9. Which wireless security protocol is the MOST secure?
A. WEP
B. WPA
C. WPA2
D. WPA3
Answer: WPA3
Explanation: WPA3 provides stronger encryption and protection against brute-force attacks.
10. What does the acronym CIA stand for in security principles?
A. Control, Integrity, Authorization
B. Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
C. Confidentiality, Identification, Authentication
D. Control, Information, Access
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Answer: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
Explanation: The CIA triad is the foundation of information security.
11. Which attack attempts to overwhelm a system with traffic?
A. Phishing
B. Spoofing
C. Denial-of-Service (DoS)
D. Man-in-the-Middle
Answer: Denial-of-Service (DoS)
Explanation: DoS attacks flood systems with traffic to make them unavailable.
12. What type of malware disguises itself as legitimate software?
A. Worm
B. Trojan
C. Rootkit
D. Spyware
Answer: Trojan
Explanation: Trojans trick users into installing malicious software by appearing legitimate.
13. Which protocol automatically assigns IP addresses?
A. DNS
B. ARP
C. DHCP
D. ICMP
Answer: DHCP
Explanation: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol assigns IP configuration automatically.
14. What device inspects traffic and enforces security rules?
A. Switch
B. Router
WGU C172 – Network and Security Fundamentals
| 150 Realistic Practice Questions with Answers &
Explanations | FREE PDF
Overview:
This WGU C172 ACTUAL exam bundle is designed for students preparing for the
Network and Security Fundamentals Objective Assessment (OA). It covers all core
competencies required to master networking concepts, cybersecurity principles, and
risk management in the WGU curriculum.
1. What is the primary purpose of a computer network?
A. To increase processing speed
B. To share resources and data between systems
C. To store data locally
D. To eliminate the need for servers
Answer: To share resources and data between systems
Explanation: Networks allow devices to share files, printers, applications, and internet access
efficiently.
2. Which network type covers a small geographic area such as an office or home?
A. WAN
B. MAN
C. LAN
D. PAN
Answer: LAN
Explanation: A Local Area Network (LAN) connects devices within a limited area like a
building or campus.
3. What device operates primarily at Layer 2 of the OSI model?
,2|Page
A. Router
B. Firewall
C. Switch
D. Modem
Answer: Switch
Explanation: Switches operate at the Data Link layer and forward frames based on MAC
addresses.
4. Which OSI layer is responsible for encryption and compression?
A. Application
B. Session
C. Presentation
D. Transport
Answer: Presentation
Explanation: The Presentation layer handles data formatting, encryption, and compression.
5. What protocol is used to securely transfer web traffic?
A. HTTP
B. FTP
C. HTTPS
D. Telnet
Answer: HTTPS
Explanation: HTTPS uses TLS/SSL encryption to secure web communications.
6. Which TCP/IP layer corresponds to the OSI Transport layer?
A. Network Access
B. Internet
C. Transport
D. Application
Answer: Transport
Explanation: The Transport layer exists in both OSI and TCP/IP models and manages end-to-
end communication.
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7. Which protocol uses port 22 by default?
A. FTP
B. Telnet
C. SSH
D. SMTP
Answer: SSH
Explanation: Secure Shell (SSH) provides encrypted remote access using port 22.
8. What is the function of a router?
A. Forward frames within a LAN
B. Route packets between different networks
C. Encrypt data
D. Monitor traffic only
Answer: Route packets between different networks
Explanation: Routers operate at Layer 3 and use IP addresses to route traffic between networks.
9. Which wireless security protocol is the MOST secure?
A. WEP
B. WPA
C. WPA2
D. WPA3
Answer: WPA3
Explanation: WPA3 provides stronger encryption and protection against brute-force attacks.
10. What does the acronym CIA stand for in security principles?
A. Control, Integrity, Authorization
B. Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
C. Confidentiality, Identification, Authentication
D. Control, Information, Access
, 4|Page
Answer: Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability
Explanation: The CIA triad is the foundation of information security.
11. Which attack attempts to overwhelm a system with traffic?
A. Phishing
B. Spoofing
C. Denial-of-Service (DoS)
D. Man-in-the-Middle
Answer: Denial-of-Service (DoS)
Explanation: DoS attacks flood systems with traffic to make them unavailable.
12. What type of malware disguises itself as legitimate software?
A. Worm
B. Trojan
C. Rootkit
D. Spyware
Answer: Trojan
Explanation: Trojans trick users into installing malicious software by appearing legitimate.
13. Which protocol automatically assigns IP addresses?
A. DNS
B. ARP
C. DHCP
D. ICMP
Answer: DHCP
Explanation: Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol assigns IP configuration automatically.
14. What device inspects traffic and enforces security rules?
A. Switch
B. Router
