TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

After finishing the installation of a wireless access point, which action helps protect it from unauthorized configuration?

1. Disconnecting it from the network

2. Changing the administrative password

3. Hiding it from users

4. Turning it off when not in use

The correct answer is: Changing the administrative password

Changing the administrative password after installing a wireless access point is crucial for protecting it from unauthorized configuration. Default passwords often come preconfigured and are widely known or easily accessible online, making them a significant security weakness. By setting a strong, unique password, you significantly reduce the chances that an intruder can gain access to the device's administrative settings. This step is vital to safeguard the network from potential attacks, as unauthorized users with administrative access could alter settings, redirect traffic, or compromise the overall security of the wireless network. Other options like disconnecting from the network, hiding it from users, or turning it off when not in use do not provide a practical or sustainable solution for securing configurations. Disconnecting may prevent remote access but does not address local access or changes needed for maintenance. Hiding it from users does not prevent those with physical access from tampering with the device, and turning it off is impractical for an access point meant to provide connectivity. Therefore, changing the administrative password is the most effective and immediate step to protect the device's configuration from unauthorized access.