Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

What is the impact of state-affiliated cyberterrorists on national security?

1. Minimal, as they only target private sectors

2. Significant, as they may disrupt essential government functions

3. Negligible, as they rarely cause any actual harm

4. Confined to economic damage only

The correct answer is: Significant, as they may disrupt essential government functions

State-affiliated cyberterrorists can have a significant impact on national security because they target critical infrastructure and government functions that are essential for the smooth operation of a nation. These groups often operate with the backing or sanction of a state, which allows them to exploit vulnerabilities in governmental systems that could lead to severe consequences. Disruption of essential services such as emergency response systems, public health, or utilities can undermine public trust and safety, disrupt governance, and even lead to physical harm in extreme cases. Moreover, the motivations behind state-affiliated cyberterrorism typically extend beyond mere economic gain, encompassing geopolitical objectives that can influence relations between nations. The potential for such attacks to create chaos or instability makes their impact on national security profoundly significant, as they can affect both the immediate operational capacity of government functions and the broader strategic landscape.