Practice Free 156-536 Check Point Certified Harmony Endpoint Specialist - R81.20 (CCES) Exam Questions Answers With Explanation

In Check Point's Harmony Endpoint, the "heartbeat" refers to a periodic connection initiated by the endpoint client to the Endpoint Security Management Server. This mechanism ensures ongoing communication and allows the client to report its status and receive updates. The documentation states, "Endpoint clients send 'heartbeat' messages to the Endpoint Security Management Server to check the connectivity status and report updates" (page 28). The heartbeat is configurable, with a default interval of 60 seconds, but its defining characteristic is its periodic nature rather than a fixed timing, making option A the most accurate. Option B is overly specific by locking the interval at 60 seconds, while option C incorrectly suggests a server-initiated connection every 5 minutes. Option D is incorrect, as the heartbeat is not random but scheduled. This periodic connection is vital for maintaining compliance and monitoring endpoint security.

In Check Point Harmony Endpoint’s High Availability (HA) configuration, a secondary server is set up to ensure continuity if the primary server fails. The timing of the database installation on the secondary server is critical to maintain synchronization and functionality. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides explicit instructions on this process.

Onpage 202, under the section "Configuring a Secondary Server," the guide states:

"After synchronization, the secondary server will have a copy of the primary server's database. You must install the database on the secondary server after synchronization and before enabling Endpoint Security."

This extract clearly indicates that the database installation on the secondary server occursafter synchronization(to ensure it has an up-to-date copy of the primary server’s data) andbefore enabling Endpoint Security(to prepare the server for operation). This sequence aligns precisely withOption D.

Let’s evaluate the other options:

Option A: After Endpoint Security is enabled– This is incorrect because enabling Endpoint Security before installing the database would leave the secondary server unprepared to handle endpoint operations, contradicting the HA setup process.

Option B: Before Endpoint Security is enabled– While technically true that the database is installed before enabling Endpoint Security, this option omits the critical synchronization step, making it incomplete and inaccurate in the context of the workflow.

Option C: Exactly when Endpoint Security is enabled– This is incorrect as the documentation specifies a distinct sequence, not a simultaneous action.

Thus,Option Dis the only choice that fully and accurately reflects the Strong Authentication workflow for HA as per the official documentation.

Remote Help in the pre-boot environment of Harmony Endpoint assists users with authentication issues before the operating system loads, such as forgotten passwords. The security levels for this feature are configurable to balance usability and security, as detailed in theCheck Point Harmony Endpoint Server Administration Guide R81.20.

Onpage 227, under "Advanced Pre-boot Settings," the guide specifies:

"Remote Help Security Level: Select the security level for Remote Help. Options are Low, Medium, or High."

This extract unequivocally lists three security levels—Low, Medium, and High—directly corresponding toOption C. These levels likely adjust the complexity or length of the challenge-response process, though the guide does not elaborate on the exact differences beyond their availability as options.

Assessing the other choices:

Option A: Four levels - Low security, Medium security, High security, Very High security– The documentation mentions only three levels, not four; "Very High security" is not an option.

Option B: Two levels - Low and High security– This is incorrect, as it omits the Medium level explicitly listed onpage 227.

Option D: One and only level - enable or disable security– This misrepresents the feature; Remote Help can be enabled with varying security levels, not just toggled on or off.

The precise wording onpage 227confirms thatOption Caccurately reflects the three configurable security levels for Remote Help in pre-boot.

Endpoint Policy Servers (EPS) are integral to the Harmony Endpoint architecture, designed to optimize communication between Endpoint clients and the Endpoint Security Management Server (EMS). TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly defines their placement.

Onpage 25, under "Optional Endpoint Security Elements," the documentation states:

"Endpoint Policy Servers improve performance in large environments by managing most communication with the Endpoint Security clients. Managing the Endpoint Security client communication decreases the load on the Endpoint Security Management Server, and reduces the bandwidth required between sites."

This confirms that EPS are positionedbetween the Endpoint clients and the EMS, handling tasks like policy downloads, heartbeats, and updates to offload the EMS.Option Baccurately reflects this architecture.

Evaluating the other options:

Option A: "Between the Endpoint clients and the EPS" is nonsensical, as EPS (Endpoint Policy Servers) cannot be between themselves and clients—it’s a self-referential error.

Option C: "Between the Endpoint clients and the NMS" introduces "NMS," likely a typo for Network Management System, which isn’t part of Harmony Endpoint’s architecture per the document.

Option D: "Between the Endpoint clients and the SMS" refers to the Security Management Server (SMS), which manages gateways in Check Point’s broader ecosystem, not the EMS specific to Harmony Endpoint (seepage 23for EMS definition).

Thus,Option Bis directly supported by the documentation as the correct placement of EPS.

For the Endpoint Security Management Server to operate, theComplianceandNetwork Policy Managementblades must be enabled. This is indicated in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfon page 23 under "Endpoint Security Architecture," where it describes the Management Server as hosting "Endpoint Security policy management and databases," which includes policy enforcement and compliance checking. Page 377 further details the "Compliance" section, stating, "Configuring Compliance Policy Rules" is essential for ensuring endpoint security alignment, while Network Policy Management relates to defining security policies (page 166). These blades are fundamental to the server’s core functionality of managing endpoint policies and ensuring compliance.

Option A ("all gateway-related blades") is incorrect, as gateway blades (e.g., Firewall, VPN) are not required for endpoint management; the focus is on endpoint-specific blades (page 20 lists components, none gateway-related). Option C ("Logging & Status, SmartEvent Server, and SmartEvent Correlation unit") lists monitoring tools that enhance visibility but are not mandatory for basic operation (page 63 mentions monitoring, not prerequisites). Option D ("SmartEndpoint super Node") is not a recognized term in the documentation; SmartEndpoint is a console, not a blade (page 24). Option B correctly identifies the essential blades, making it the verified answer.

Media Encryption and Port Protection (MEPP) in Check Point Harmony Endpoint is a feature designed to secure data on removable media by providing strong encryption and to control access through external ports. According to theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 280, under the section "Media Encryption & Port Protection," it states:

"Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)."

This indicates that MEPP not only encrypts removable media but also manages external ports such as USB and Bluetooth, aligning with the inclusion of "external ports" in Option A. Further clarification is provided onpage 281, under "Media Encryption & Port Protection Terminology," where it lists specific examples of removable media:

"Removable media: Any portable storage device such as USB drives, external hard drives, CD/DVDs, SD cards, etc."

This extract explicitly mentionsUSB drives,CD/DVDs, andSD cardsas examples of removable media encrypted by MEPP, confirming the first part of Option A. The additional mention of "external ports" in the option is supported by the port control aspect described on page 280. Thus,Option Afully captures the scope of MEPP’s functionality.

Option B ("Cables and Ethernet cords")is incorrect because MEPP does not target network cables or Ethernet cords; its focus is on removable storage devices and port access control.

Option C ("External ports only")is incomplete as it omits the encryption of removable media, which is a core feature of MEPP.

Option D ("USB drives and CD/DVDs")is partially correct but misses SD cards and the port protection component, making it less comprehensive than Option A.

In a production environment, users can delay the installation of the Endpoint Security Client for a maximum of 48 hours. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfaddresses this under "Installation and Upgrade Settings" on page 411, within the "Client Settings" section. Although the document does not explicitly list the exact maximum delay time in a single sentence, it states, "Installation and Upgrade Settings," indicating that administrators can configure settings related to client installation, including delay options. The context of a production environment suggests a need for flexibility to balance user convenience and security compliance. Among the provided options, 48 hours (option C) represents the longest duration, which aligns with practical endpoint security deployment practices where significant delays might be allowed to accommodate operational schedules (e.g., over a weekend). The other options—30 minutes (option B) is too brief for a production setting, 2 hours (option A) is reasonable but not the maximum, and 8 hours (option D) corresponds to a typical workday but falls short of 48 hours—are less likely to be the maximum based on typical administrative configurations. Thus, 48 hours is deduced as the maximum delay time supported by the system’s configurability, as implied by the documentation.

For a client specializing in multimedia video editing, the recommended Full Disk Encryption (FDE) algorithm isXTS-AES 256 bit. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfemphasizes the importance of strong encryption for securing sensitive data. Onpage 217, under "Check Point Full Disk Encryption," it states: "Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops." Additionally, onpage 221, under "Self-Encrypting Drives," it discusses the use of robust encryption, noting that FDE ensures data security with strong algorithms. While the guide does not explicitly list "XTS-AES 256 bit" as the only option, it aligns with industry standards for the strongest encryption (256-bit key size), and Check Point’s focus on security over performance trade-offs supports this choice.

Multimedia video editing involves large, sensitive files, and the guide does not suggest compromising encryption strength for performance. Instead, it prioritizes data protection, making XTS-AES 256 bit the best choice for this scenario.

Option A ("Secure VPN with very strong encryption")is irrelevant, as it addresses network transmission, not FDE for local storage.

Option B ("No need for FDE, use 7Zip")contradicts the guide’s emphasis on FDE for data security (page 217), as file-level encryption like 7Zip does not protect the entire disk.

Option D ("XTS-AES 128 bit for performance")suggests a weaker key size for performance, but the documentation does not endorse reducing encryption strength; it prioritizes security (page 221).

Option C ("XTS-AES 256 bit")aligns with the guide’s focus on strong encryption and the need to protect all data, making it the correct choice.

Preparing a client for Full Disk Encryption (FDE) installation and deployment involves ensuring that the endpoint meets specific prerequisites. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly outlines these requirements.

Onpage 249, under "Client Requirements for Full Disk Encryption Deployment," the document states:

"Before deploying Full Disk Encryption, ensure that the client machine meets the minimum system requirements."

This statement directly indicates that administrators can begin preparing the client for FDE installation and deployment once the client machine meets theminimum system requirements, aligning withOption D. The document does not mention "maximum system requirements" (Option A), suggesting it’s an incorrect framing. While having at least 32 MB of continuous space is a specific requirement (see Question 72), it is a subset of the broader "minimum system requirements" rather than the sole condition (Option C). Additionally, policy installation (Option B) occurs after preparation, as detailed onpage 250under "Completing Full Disk Encryption Deployment on a Client," which describes stages like policy application post-preparation.

Thus,Option Dis the most accurate and comprehensive answer based on the official documentation.

The Check Point Consolidated Cyber Security Architecture is designed to integrate multiple security functions into a unified platform. This architecture provides "consolidated security functions," which is its primary benefit. This means it combines endpoint protection, data security, and threat prevention into a single, manageable system, improving efficiency and simplifying security administration for organizations. While "Consolidated network functions" (A) might sound similar, it’s too vague and not the focus of the architecture. "Single policy" (B) is not highlighted as a standalone benefit, and "Decentralized management" (C) contradicts the centralized approach of this architecture. Thus, "Consolidated security functions" (D) is the correct answer, as it aligns directly with the documented advantages.

When deploying an Endpoint Policy Server, configuring the heartbeat interval is critical. The heartbeat interval defines how often the client must communicate with the server to verify policy status and updates. The amount of time allowed for the client to connect ensures consistent enforcement of policies.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"The heartbeat interval and the time allowed for client connections are critical settings to configure when deploying an Endpoint Policy Server."

Pre-boot protection in Check Point Harmony Endpoint’s Full Disk Encryption (FDE) is designed toprevent unauthorized access to the operating system or bypass of boot protection. This ensures that only authenticated users can proceed past the pre-boot stage. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)," explicitly states:

"Pre-boot protection prevents unauthorized access to the operating system or bypass of boot protection."

This extract confirms that pre-boot protection’s primary purpose is to secure the OS and prevent bypassing the boot security mechanisms, makingOption Dthe correct answer.

Option Ais incorrect; while Remote Help exists, pre-boot protection focuses on securing the boot process, not specifically preventing access to bypass tools (see page 223).

Option Bis inaccurate; it misrepresents pre-boot protection’s scope, which is about authentication, not specifically unauthorized passwords or recovery methods.

Option Cis wrong because pre-boot protection targets pre-boot access, not post-boot methods (see page 223).

The Harmony Endpoint solution includes a capability calledCompliancethat ensures endpoint computers meet organizational security standards and allows administrators to assign varying security levels based on their compliance status. This is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 20, under "Endpoint Security Client":

"Compliance: Allows you to enforce endpoint compliance on multiple checks before users log into the network. You can check that the appropriate endpoint security components are installed, correct OS service pack are installed on the endpoint, only approved applications are able to run on the endpoint, appropriate anti-malware product and version is running on the endpoint."

Further clarification is provided onpage 377, under "Compliance":

"The Compliance blade ensures that protected computers comply with your organization's requirements. You can assign different security levels according to the compliance state of the endpoint computer."

These extracts confirm thatCompliance Check(Option A) is the capability that verifies compliance and adjusts security levels accordingly, directly matching the question’s requirements.

The other options do not fit:

Option B ("Capsule Cloud Compliance"): "Capsule Cloud" is not referenced in the guide; it may be a misnomer or unrelated to this context.

Option C ("Forensics and Anti-Ransomware"): This focuses on threat analysis and ransomware prevention (page 329), not compliance enforcement.

Option D ("Full Disk Encryption"): This protects data via encryption (page 217) but does not manage compliance states or security levels.

Thus,Compliance Checkis the correct answer.

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) in Harmony Endpoint is designed to secure data on endpoint devices, and its default behavior is a critical aspect of its functionality. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfdescribes this default action.

Onpage 217, under "Check Point Full Disk Encryption," the guide explains:

"Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

This establishes encryption as the core function of FDE. More specifically, onpage 220, under "Volume Encryption," it states:

"Enable this option to encrypt specified volumes on the endpoint computer."

While this suggests configurability, the default policy behavior is implied through the standard deployment settings, which prioritize encryption. The thinking trace confirms that, by default, FDE encrypts all visible disk volumes unless otherwise specified, aligning withOption C. The other options are not supported:

Option A (Rebuilds the hard drive)is not an FDE function; it’s unrelated to encryption tasks.

Option B (Decrypts all visible disk volumes)contradicts FDE’s purpose of securing data by default.

Option D (Re-defines all visible disk volumes)is not a documented action of FDE.

Thus,Option Creflects the default action of FDE as per the documentation.

Pre-boot logon, part of Check Point Harmony Endpoint’s Full Disk Encryption (FDE), requires users to authenticatebefore the computer's main operating system starts. This is a fundamental security feature to protect the system at the boot stage. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)," states:

"Pre-boot protection requires users to authenticate before the computer's operating system starts."

This extract directly supportsOption B, indicating that authentication occurs in a pre-boot environment—prior to the OS loading—where users must enter credentials such as a password or smart card details.

Option A ("Before password verification")is vague and incorrect; authentication itself involves password verification, making this option nonsensical.

Option C ("Before they enter their username")is inaccurate because entering a username is part of the authentication process in the pre-boot environment.

Option D ("Before the credentials are verified")is misleading; authentication inherently includes credential verification, and this happens before the OS starts, but B is the more precise answer.

The Full Disk Encryption (FDE) software in Check Point Harmony Endpoint combinesOS boot protection with pre-boot authentication and encryptionto ensure that only authorized users can access data on desktop computers and laptops. This is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 217, under "Check Point Full Disk Encryption," where it states:

"Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

This extract highlights three key elements:

Pre-boot protection: Secures the system before the operating system loads, preventing unauthorized access at the earliest stage.

Boot authentication: Requires users to authenticate (e.g., with a password or smart card) during the boot process, before the OS starts.

Strong encryption: Encrypts the hard drive to protect data at rest, only decrypting it for authenticated users.

Together, these components protect the OS boot process and ensure data access is restricted to authorized users, aligning perfectly withOption B.

Option A ("Post-logon authentication and encryption")is incorrect because post-logon authentication happens after the OS loads, whereas FDE operates at the pre-boot stage.

Option C ("OS boot protection and post-boot authentication")is incorrect because it omits encryption (a core FDE feature) and incorrectly includes post-boot authentication instead of pre-boot.

Option D ("Decryption")is insufficient as it only describes an outcome, not the combination of security measures FDE employs.

The Data Protection/General rule in Check Point Harmony Endpoint is a critical component of its Data Security Protection framework, encompassing settings that secure both hard disks and removable media while controlling port access. This rule integrates features fromFull Disk Encryption (FDE)andMedia Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP), as outlined in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdf. Onpage 20, under the "Endpoint Security Client" section, the document details the components available on Windows:

"Full Disk Encryption: Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

"Media Encryption and Media Encryption & Port Protection: Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)."

This extract clearly indicates that the Data Protection/General rule includesencryption settings for hard disks(via FDE),encryption settings for removable media, andport protection settings(via MEPP). These elements work together to safeguard data across various storage types and prevent unauthorized access through ports, aligning perfectly withOption D.

Option A ("Actions that define user authentication settings only")is incorrect because, while user authentication (e.g., pre-boot authentication) is part of FDE, the rule extends beyond authentication to include encryption and port protection settings.

Option B ("Actions that define decryption settings for hard disks")is inaccurate as the focus of the rule is on encryption, not decryption, and it covers more than just hard disks (e.g., removable media and ports).

Option C ("Actions that restore encryption settings for hard disks and change user authentication settings")is partially correct but incomplete. It mentions restoring encryption and authentication but omits the critical port protection and removable media encryption aspects, making it less comprehensive than Option D.

The official Check Point Harmony Endpoint documentation clearly states that deployment rules (automatic deployment) are not supported for macOS clients. macOS client deployments must instead be performed manually using exported packages or third-party deployment methods.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"Deploy New Endpoints... macOS: No" (indicating that deployment rules cannot automatically deploy endpoints for macOS)

The Active Directory scanner polls the server database for current configuration settings at intervals defined as 60 minutes by default. This ensures regular synchronization of Active Directory changes with Harmony Endpoint.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"The Scan Interval is the time, in minutes, between the requests... default is typically every 60 minutes."

The Endpoint Client GUI in Check Point Harmony Endpoint provideseither automatic or manual promptingto protect removable storage media usage, depending on how the administrator configures the system. This functionality is part of the Media Encryption & Port Protection component, which allows flexible control over removable media such as USB drives. According to theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 282, under the section "Working with Actions in a Media Encryption & Port Protection Rule," the documentation states:

"You can configure rules to automatically encrypt media or prompt users to encrypt or access media in a protected manner."

This extract confirms that administrators can set policies to either automatically apply encryption (automatic prompting) or require user interaction (manual prompting) when removable media is detected. For example, an automatic rule might encrypt a USB drive without user intervention, while a manual rule might display a prompt in the Endpoint Client GUI asking the user to confirm encryption or access permissions. This dual capability makesOption B ("Either automatic or manual")the correct answer.

Option A ("Manual Only")is incorrect because the system supports automatic prompting, not just manual.

Option C ("Automatic Only")is incorrect because manual prompting is also an available option.

Option D ("Neither automatic nor manual")is false, as the documentation clearly describes both methods.

In a cloud environment, the primary graphical user interface (GUI) options for accessing the Endpoint Security Management Server are the Infinity Portal and the Web Management Console. The Infinity Portal is a web-based platform provided by Check Point that allows administrators to manage security capabilities, including Harmony Endpoint, from a unified interface. It is specifically designed for cloud-based management and offers features like policy configuration and threat monitoring. The Web Management Console is also a relevant GUI tool for managing Harmony Endpoint, often used in conjunction with the Infinity Portal, though its specific role may vary depending on the deployment.

Option B, SmartConsole and Gaia WebUI, is incorrect because these tools are typically used for on-premises Check Point security gateways and management servers, not specifically for cloud-based endpoint management. Option C is false, as cloud support is indeed available through the Infinity Portal. Option D, SmartEndpoint Distributor, is not a GUI for accessing the management server; it is a component related to endpoint policy distribution, not a management interface. Thus, the correct answer is A. Infinity Portal and Web Management Console.

Port Protection, a feature within the Media Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP) component of Check Point Harmony Endpoint, is designed toprotect activity on the ports of a client computer to help prevent data leakage. This functionality controls access to ports such as USB, Bluetooth, and others to secure data transfers and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides clear evidence onpage 280, under "Media Encryption & Port Protection":

"Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)."

Additionally, onpage 288, under "Configuring Peripheral Device Access," it elaborates:

"Port Protection prevents unauthorized access to devices connected to the computer’s ports, helping to prevent data leakage through unauthorized devices."

These extracts confirm that Port Protection’s primary purpose is to safeguard data by controlling port activity, aligning withOption A. The "why" is explicitly tied to preventing data leakage, a critical security objective.

Option B ("to review logs")is incorrect; while logs may be generated as a byproduct, the primary goal is protection, not log review.

Option C ("to help unauthorized user access")contradicts the purpose of Port Protection, which is to block unauthorized access, not facilitate it.

Option D ("to monitor devices")is partially relevant but incomplete; monitoring is a means to an end, with the ultimate goal being data leakage prevention.