(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

Which device is typically accessed by multiple users and is often meant for a single purpose?

1. Router

2. Switch

3. Server

4. Laptop

The correct answer is: Server

The correct answer is the server, as it is designed to provide resources, services, or data to multiple clients over a network. Servers run specific applications or host data that can be accessed remotely by various users, fulfilling particular roles such as a web server, file server, or database server. This multi-user accessibility is a core function of servers, making them essential in environments where resources need to be shared among users. In contrast, routers primarily direct traffic between networks and generally do not host applications for multiple users; they manage network packets and connectivity. Switches operate at a network layer to connect devices within the same local area network, facilitating data packet forwarding but not typically executing a singular purpose like a server. Laptops, while capable of being accessed by multiple users at different times, are personal computing devices that are primarily intended for individual use rather than for shared services. Thus, the unique design and role of servers clearly align with the characteristics mentioned in the question, affirming their correct identification as the device meant for multiple users with a specific purpose.