A software development company needs to share information between two remote servers, using encryption to protect it.
A programmer suggests developing a new encryption protocol, arguing that using an unknown protocol with secure, existing cryptographic algorithm libraries will provide strong encryption without being susceptible to attacks on other known protocols.
Which of the following summarizes the BEST response to the programmer's proposal?
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A. B. C. D.B.
The BEST response to the programmer's proposal is option B: "New protocols often introduce unexpected vulnerabilities, even when developed with otherwise secure and tested algorithm libraries."
The programmer's proposal suggests developing a new encryption protocol using existing cryptographic algorithm libraries to protect information shared between two remote servers. While this approach may seem reasonable at first glance, there are several potential issues to consider.
Option A states that the security of the newly developed protocol will only be as strong as the underlying cryptographic algorithms used. This is true, but it is not the BEST response to the proposal. It is important to use secure cryptographic algorithms, but even with the most secure algorithms, a poorly designed protocol can introduce vulnerabilities.
Option B is the BEST response because it highlights a common problem with new protocols: unexpected vulnerabilities. When new protocols are developed, they may introduce unforeseen vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. Even if secure cryptographic algorithms are used, the design of the protocol itself can introduce weaknesses.
Option C suggests that a programmer should have specialized training in protocol development before attempting to design a new encryption protocol. While this is true, it is not the BEST response to the proposal. Even if the programmer has specialized training, there are still potential issues with developing a new protocol.
Option D suggests that the obscurity value of unproven protocols against attacks often outweighs the potential for introducing new vulnerabilities. While it is true that obscurity can provide some level of protection against attackers, relying solely on obscurity is not a reliable security strategy. Additionally, it is still possible for attackers to discover and exploit vulnerabilities in a new protocol, even if it is not widely known. Therefore, option D is not the BEST response to the proposal.