CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

What is commonly referred to as 'denial of service' in a cybersecurity context?

1. Unauthorized access control mechanisms

2. Overwhelming a service to render it unavailable

3. Encryption of sensitive data

4. System routine maintenance procedures

The correct answer is: Overwhelming a service to render it unavailable

In cybersecurity, 'denial of service' (DoS) refers specifically to attempts to disrupt the normal functioning of a service, typically by overwhelming it with a flood of illegitimate traffic or requests. This type of attack aims to render a service unavailable to legitimate users by consuming its resources, such as bandwidth, processing power, or memory. The concept of denial of service is critical in understanding how attackers exploit system vulnerabilities to hinder accessibility, impacting not just the targeted system but potentially causing broader disruption for users and organizations relying on that service. It is imperative for cybersecurity professionals to recognize this threat in order to implement measures to mitigate such attacks, enhancing the overall resilience of the systems they protect. In contrast, the other options do not fit the definition of denial of service. Unauthorized access control mechanisms relate to the mismanagement of access rights, encryption focuses on protecting data confidentiality rather than availability, and routine maintenance procedures are part of regular system upkeep, ensuring that services remain available rather than being subjected to denial.