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4.2.1bProtecting networks

Edexcel GCSE Computer Science (1CP2) · Networks › Network security

Practise Protecting networks. 11 exam-style questions on this subtopic, at up to four difficulty levels, with full mark schemes and a progress tracker. Free, no account needed.

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Quick recall

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State the purpose of a firewall.
To block unauthorised network traffic according to rules.
Define the term 'two-factor authentication'.
Two different kinds of proof, e.g. a password plus a code sent to the user's phone.

Sample questions

Written for this site in the style of Edexcel exam questions. They are not taken from real past papers.

Question 1Easy3 marks
(a) State the purpose of a firewall.[1]
(b) Give two examples of physical security measures that protect a network.[2]
Show the answer and mark scheme
(a) Answer: To block unauthorised network traffic according to rules.
  • to monitor network traffic and block data that its rules do not allow / to prevent unauthorised access to or from a network
(b) Answer: A locked server room and swipe-card entry (also CCTV, biometric locks, guards).
  • locked server room / doors
  • swipe cards / key cards / keypads
  • biometric locks, e.g. fingerprint scanners
  • CCTV cameras
  • security guards / signing in visitors
  • alarms
  • cable locks on equipment
Question 2Medium4 marks
Explain how a firewall protects a network.[4]
Show the answer and mark scheme
Answer: It checks every packet against its rules and blocks traffic that is not allowed, in either direction.
  • it sits between the network and the internet (or between parts of a network)
  • it examines each packet of data entering or leaving the network
  • it compares each packet with a set of rules, e.g. allowed IP addresses, port numbers or protocols
  • packets that break the rules are blocked, so unauthorised access attempts are stopped
  • it can block outgoing traffic from malware, e.g. stop it sending stolen data out
  • it can log blocked attempts so that administrators can investigate
Question 3Hard4 marks
Explain why a strong password policy on its own is not enough to protect users' accounts.[4]
Show the answer and mark scheme
Answer: Strong passwords can still be phished, logged, observed or leaked from other sites, so extra measures such as 2FA are needed.
  • passwords can be stolen through phishing emails and fake websites
  • key loggers can record passwords as they are typed
  • someone could watch a password being typed (shoulder surfing) or find it written down
  • people often reuse passwords on other sites, so a breach elsewhere can reveal them
  • a stolen password database may allow even strong passwords to be cracked eventually
  • so extra measures are needed, such as two-factor authentication, account lockouts and staff training

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