Google Cloud Professional Cloud Security Engineer Practice Exam

What should be implemented to protect employee credentials from phishing?

1. Password complexity requirements

2. Email filtering software

3. Multifactor Authentication

4. Regular security training

The correct answer is: Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a critical security measure that significantly enhances the protection of employee credentials against phishing attacks. When MFA is implemented, it requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to their accounts, typically combining something they know (like a password) with something they have (like a smartphone app that generates a time-based code) or something they are (like a fingerprint). The reason MFA is effective against phishing is that even if an attacker successfully obtains a user's password through deceptive means, they would still need the second factor to access the account. This adds a vital layer of security, making it significantly harder for malicious actors to compromise accounts. Even if employees are tricked into revealing their credentials, the presence of MFA can often thwart unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems. While the other choices provide some level of protection against phishing and general security threats, they do not offer the same robust defense that multifactor authentication does. Password complexity requirements can help improve the strength of passwords, but they do not prevent phishing attempts themselves. Email filtering software might reduce the number of phishing emails employees receive, yet it is not foolproof and cannot protect against all phishing scenarios. Regular security training is essential in educating employees about recognizing and avoiding