Preventing Buffer Overflow Attacks

C.

The correct answer to this question is C. input validation.

Buffer overflow attacks are a type of cybersecurity attack where an attacker sends more data to a program or system than it can handle. This extra data is stored in a buffer, which overflows and overwrites adjacent memory locations, causing the program or system to crash or behave in unexpected ways. This can be used by attackers to execute malicious code, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to a system.

To prevent buffer overflow attacks, input validation is required. Input validation involves checking the data entered into a program or system to ensure that it is the correct format, size, and type. This helps to prevent buffer overflow attacks by limiting the amount of data that can be entered into a program or system, and by ensuring that the data is in the correct format and type.

Variable randomization (answer A) is a technique used to prevent attacks that rely on predictable values, such as encryption keys. While it can be useful in certain contexts, it is not specifically designed to prevent buffer overflow attacks.

Using web-based applications (answer B) does not prevent buffer overflow attacks. Web-based applications can still be vulnerable to buffer overflow attacks if they do not include proper input validation.

Using a Linux operating system (answer D) can provide some security benefits, as Linux is generally considered to be more secure than other operating systems. However, using a Linux operating system alone is not enough to prevent buffer overflow attacks. Proper input validation is still required to prevent these types of attacks.