The answer is using encrypted connections and disabling default accounts. Encrypted connections, typically enforced through TLS/SSL protocols, protect sensitive data in transit from interception or man-in-the-middle attacks, while disabling default accounts eliminates the risk of attackers exploiting widely known credentials like “sa” or “admin.” On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this topic tests your understanding of database server security best practices within the broader domain of infrastructure security, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify misconfigurations that expand the attack surface. A common trap is confusing “remote access from any IP” as a convenience feature rather than a vulnerability, or overlooking that sample databases harbor known exploits. Remember the mnemonic “DEAD” for Database security: Disable defaults, Encrypt all connections, Audit access, and Drop samples.
CAS-004 Practice Question: Application Environment, Configuration and Security
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are best practices for securing a database server?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable default accounts
Disabling default accounts prevents attackers from using known credentials. Encrypted connections protect data in transit. Remote access from any IP expands the attack surface. Simple passwords are weak. Sample databases can contain known vulnerabilities.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Install sample databases for testing
Why it's wrong here
Sample databases often contain known vulnerabilities and should be removed.
✗
Enable remote access from any IP
Why it's wrong here
Allowing any IP increases the attack surface; restrict to trusted networks.
✓
Disable default accounts
Why this is correct
Default accounts (e.g., 'sa' in SQL Server) are often targeted; disabling them reduces risk.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Use encrypted connections
Why this is correct
Encryption (e.g., TLS) protects data transmitted between the database and clients.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use simple passwords for ease of administration
Why it's wrong here
Simple passwords are easily guessed; use strong, complex passwords.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable default accounts — Disabling default accounts prevents attackers from using known credentials. Encrypted connections protect data in transit. Remote access from any IP expands the attack surface. Simple passwords are weak. Sample databases can contain known vulnerabilities.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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