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

Which term describes a network security model that assumes breaches are inevitable and focuses on minimizing risks?

1. Perimeter security

2. Zero Trust

3. Defense in depth

4. Security by obscurity

The correct answer is: Zero Trust

The term that describes a network security model assuming breaches are inevitable and emphasizing risk minimization is Zero Trust. This approach operates under the principle that no user or device, regardless of whether they are inside or outside the network perimeter, should be trusted by default. Instead, every access request must be verified, authenticated, and authorized. Zero Trust architecture encourages constant monitoring and validation of trust levels, thereby reducing the risk of insider threats or compromised accounts. By assuming that breaches can occur at any time, organizations can prepare and implement robust security policies and practices that protect sensitive data and maintain security resilience. The other terms do not fully encapsulate this proactive approach to security. Perimeter security primarily focuses on defending the outer layer of the network from external threats and does not acknowledge that breaches can occur from within the network. Defense in depth involves layering various security controls but may not directly address the inevitability of breaches in the same comprehensive way that Zero Trust does. Security by obscurity relies on hiding systems to protect them, which can lead to a false sense of security and does not account for the need for robust verification methods.