156-536 Sample Questions Answers

The Check Point Harmony Endpoint documentation specifies that clients must fulfill all prerequisites to transition from the Deployment Phase to the Full Disk Encryption policy enforcement phase. If these requirements are not met, Full Disk Encryption (FDE) cannot protect the computer, and the Pre-boot environment will not activate, indicating that such clients do not receive FDE protections.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"If these requirements are not met,Full Disk Encryption cannot protect the computerand the Pre-boot cannot open."

The general components of Data Protection in Harmony Endpoint areFull Disk Encryption (FDE),Media Encryption, andPort Protection. This is explicitly detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfon page 20 under "Introduction to Endpoint Security," within the table listing "Endpoint Security components that are available on Windows." The entry for "Media Encryption and Media Encryption & Port Protection" states, "Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)," while "Full Disk Encryption" is described as combining "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." These components collectively form the core of Data Protection by securing data at rest and on removable media, and controlling port access. Option B accurately lists these three components. Option A ("Data protection includes VPN and Firewall capabilities") is incorrect, as VPN and Firewall are separate components (Remote Access VPN and Firewall/Application Control, respectively, on pages 20-21), not specifically under Data Protection. Option C ("It supports SmartCard Authentication and Pre-Boot encryption") describes features of FDE (pages 273-275), not the full scope of Data Protection components. Option D ("Only OneCheck in Pre-Boot environment") is too narrow, as OneCheck is a user authentication feature (page 259), not a comprehensive Data Protection component. Thus, option B is the verified 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.

Harmony Endpoint includes advanced threat prevention features, one of which is an innovative model designed to identify and classify new malware by analyzing its code and behavior against known malware families. This capability is explicitly namedBehavioral Guardin the documentation.

TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfdescribes this onpage 329, under "Harmony Endpoint Anti-Ransomware, Behavioral Guard and Forensics":

"Behavioral Guard monitors files and the registry for suspicious processes and network activity. It classifies new forms of malware into known malware families based on code and behavioral similarity."

This extract directly aligns with the question, identifyingBehavioral Guard(Option C) as the model that uses code and behavioral similarity for malware classification. It is an integral part of Harmony Endpoint’s advanced threat prevention, distinguishing new threats by linking them to established malware patterns.

The other options are not applicable:

Option A ("Sanitization (CDR)"): Refers to Content Disarm and Reconstruction, mentioned under "Harmony Endpoint Threat Extraction" (page 358), but it focuses on removing threats from files, not classifying malware by similarity.

Option B ("Polymorphic Model"): This term is not used in the guide. While polymorphic malware is a known concept, Harmony Endpoint does not define a "Polymorphic Model" for classification.

Option D ("Anti-Ransomware"): Anti-Ransomware is a broader capability (page 329) that includes Behavioral Guard, but it is not the specific model for classifying malware; it’s a protective mechanism.

Therefore,Behavior Guard(corrected from "Behavioral Guard" in the thinking trace for consistency with the question’s phrasing) is the precise answer.

Pre-boot authentication in Harmony Endpoint disablesworkarounds to computer security. This is explicitly stated in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)," which explains: "only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops" by requiring authentication before the OS loads. This prevents unauthorized access attempts that might bypass OS-level security measures, such as booting from alternative media or exploiting OS vulnerabilities—effectively disabling "workarounds to computer security."

Option B ("Identity theft")is a broader security concern not specifically addressed by pre-boot authentication; it’s a potential outcome, not a direct mechanism disabled.

Option C ("Incorrect usernames")is a user error, not something pre-boot authentication disables; it simply rejects invalid credentials.

Option D ("Weak passwords")relates to password policy enforcement (covered on page 264), not the function of pre-boot authentication itself.

Option A ("Workarounds to computer security")is directly supported by the documentation, as pre-boot authentication ensures security at the earliest stage, blocking bypass attempts.

Process Requirement:

Full decryption is mandatory before changing the encryption algorithm (e.g., switching from AES-128 to AES-256).

Re-encryption occurs after algorithm selection, with no on-the-fly conversion supported.

Firmware Agnostic:

Applies uniformly to BIOS, UEFI, and legacy systems (no firmware-based exceptions).

Documentation Source:

*Check Point Full Disk Encryption Administration Guide R81.10+*:

"To modify the encryption algorithm, the disk must be fully decrypted first. After decryption, deploy a new policy with the updated algorithm to trigger re-encryption."

⚠️ Critical Note:

Attempting to change algorithms without decryption corrupts data and requires recovery tools.

Why Other Options Fail:

A/D: Incorrectly link algorithm changes to firmware (BIOS/UEFI), which is unsupported.

C: On-the-fly re-encryption is technologically infeasible for FDE solutions due to cryptographic key hierarchy constraints.

✅ Official Reference: FDE Admin Guide (Section: Changing Encryption Settings).

The Check Point Harmony Product Suite includes Harmony Endpoint, which is available both as a Cloud-based and On-Premises security solution.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"Harmony Endpoint is available as both Cloud-based and On-Premises deployment."

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 provides end users with anoverview summary of the protections deployed on their machines and the status of each protection. On page 19, under "Endpoint Security Client," the guide describes it as an application that monitors security status and enforces policies, with components like Anti-Malware and Firewall listed on page 20, visible to users through the client interface. Option A is more relevant to administrators (page 63), Option C relates to forensic reports (page 346), and Option D pertains to network monitoring, not client-provided data.

External Endpoint Policy Servers (EPS) are optional components in Harmony Endpoint’s architecture, designed to enhance scalability and performance by offloading client communication tasks from the Endpoint Security Management Server (EMS). TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly outlines their benefits.

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

"The Endpoint Policy Server handles heartbeat and synchronization requests, Policy downloads, Anti-Malware updates, and Endpoint Security client logs."

This extract confirms that a primary benefit of the EPS is managingheartbeat and synchronization requests. Heartbeat requests are periodic signals from clients to report status and connectivity, while synchronization ensures clients remain aligned with server policies and updates. By handling these, the EPS reduces the load on the EMS and optimizes bandwidth, directly supportingOption B.

Let’s assess the other options:

Option A: Cluster and Delta requests– "Cluster" is unrelated to EPS functionality (it may pertain to HA), and "Delta requests" is not a defined term in the guide.

Option C: Test packet and delta requests– "Test packet" is not mentioned in the documentation, and "delta requests" lacks context, making this incorrect.

Option D: Polling beat and delta requests– "Polling beat" is not a recognized term (likely a misnomer for heartbeat), and "delta requests" is unsupported by the text.

Option Bis the only choice directly supported by the documentation, accurately reflecting the EPS’s role in improving communication efficiency.

Endpoint Client GUI Overview Page:

Displays real-time status of:

Policy download progress

User acquisition (AD/identity binding)

FDE pre-boot setup completion

Disk encryption phase (e.g., "Encrypting: 75%")

Web Management Portal:

Tracks granular deployment stages across all endpoints:

Policy assignment status

FDE initialization

Encryption progress

Authentication configuration

Debug Logs:

Record technical details for each phase:

Policy retrieval errors (epcpolicy.log)

User acquisition failures (auth.log)

FDE setup issues (fde_install.log)

Encryption errors (encryption.log)

✅ Source: Check Point Harmony Endpoint Administration Guide R81.10 (Section: Client Deployment Monitoring, Page 217).

The Endpoint Security Manager (ESM), also referred to as the Endpoint Security Management Server, is the core component in Harmony Endpoint for managing policies, deployments, and monitoring. Its default configuration is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdf.

Onpage 23, under "Endpoint Security Management Server," the guide describes:

"Includes the Endpoint Security policy management and databases. It communicates with endpoint clients to update their components, policies, and protection data."

This statement establishes that the ESM’s primary role ismanagement, encompassing policy enforcement, database storage, and client communication. By default, it is configured as aManagement Server, aligning withOption C. The ESM oversees the entire endpoint security environment, distinguishing it from other server types.

Evaluating the alternatives:

Option A: Network Server– This is too generic and not a specific role defined for the ESM in Harmony Endpoint.

Option B: Webserver– While the ESM may host web interfaces (e.g., for SmartEndpoint), its core function is management, not web serving.

Option D: Log Server– Logging is a feature of the ESM (e.g., page 21 mentions monitoring), but its default and primary configuration is as a management server, not solely a log server.

Option Ccorrectly identifies the ESM’s default configuration as per the official documentation.

User Logon Pre-boot Remote Help is a troubleshooting feature in Harmony Endpoint designed to assist users locked out of Full Disk Encryption (FDE)-protected computers before the operating system boots. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly outlines the types of assistance available.

Onpage 425, under "Remote Help," the documentation states:

"There are two types of Full Disk Encryption Remote Help:

One Time Login - One Time Login lets users access Remote Help using an assumed identity for one session, without resetting the password. Users who lose their Smart Cards must use this option.

Remote password change - This option is applicable for users with fixed passwords who are locked out."

This extract confirms that Pre-boot Remote Help providesbothOne-Time Logon and Remote Password Change, directly matchingOption B. These options address different scenarios: One-Time Logon for temporary access (e.g., lost Smart Cards) and Remote Password Change for resetting forgotten fixed passwords.

Option A("Only One-Time Logon") is incorrect as it excludes Remote Password Change, which is explicitly listed as a second type of help.

Option C("Cleartext Password") is not mentioned anywhere in the documentation and would be insecure, making it invalid.

Option D("Only Remote Password Change") omits One-Time Logon, which is also a supported assistance type, rendering it incomplete.

Option Bis the only choice that fully reflects the dual assistance types provided by User Logon Pre-boot Remote Help as per the official documentation.

In a Harmony Endpoint environment with multiple External Endpoint Policy Servers (EPS), the system is designed to optimize client-server communication by allowing Endpoint clients to select the most suitable EPS. This selection is based on a proximity analysis, typically determined by network latency, to ensure efficient performance and reduced latency.

TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly addresses this behavior onpage 195, under "Endpoint Policy Server Proximity Analysis":

"Each Endpoint client does an analysis to find which EPS is 'closest' and automatically communicates with that server. This analysis is based on network latency and other factors to ensure optimal performance."

This extract confirms that:

Each Endpoint client performs an analysis: The client itself evaluates available EPS instances.

Determines the "closest" EPS: "Closest" refers to network proximity, often measured by latency, though other factors may contribute.

Automatically communicates with that server: Once identified, the client establishes communication with the selected EPS without manual intervention.

Option Cprecisely reflects this process, making it the correct answer. Let’s review the other options:

Option A ("One Endpoint client automatically communicates with the server"): This is vague and incorrect. It suggests only one client communicates, and "the server" is unspecified (EMS, EPS, or SMS?), failing to address the multi-EPS scenario.

Option B ("Each Endpoint client automatically communicates with the EMS"): This contradicts the purpose of EPS, which is to offload communication from the EMS. Clients prioritize EPS when available, as per page 25.

Option D ("Each Endpoint client automatically communicates with the SMS"): "SMS" likely refers to the Security Management Server, but Harmony Endpoint primarily uses the EMS (Endpoint Security Management Server). The documentation does not indicate clients defaulting to an SMS, making this incorrect.

Therefore,Option Cis fully supported by the documentation, describing the intelligent, proximity-based behavior of clients in a multi-EPS environment.

The default encryption algorithm for Full Disk Encryption (FDE) in Check Point Harmony Endpoint, as configured in the Advanced Settings tab, isXTS-AES 256 bit. This is explicitly stated in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 221, under the "Custom Disk Encryption Settings" section:

"The default encryption algorithm is XTS-AES 256 bit."

This extract confirms thatOption Cis correct. The document further notes that administrators can choose between XTS-AES 256 bit and XTS-AES 128 bit, but 256 bit is the default, reflecting a preference for stronger encryption. XTS (XEX-based tweaked-codebook mode with ciphertext stealing) is specifically designed for disk encryption, providing better security than CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) modes.

Option A ("AES-CBC 128 bit")andOption B ("AES-CBC 256 bit")are incorrect because FDE uses XTS mode, not CBC, which is less suited for disk encryption due to its vulnerabilities in this context.

Option D ("XTS-AES 128 bit")is a configurable option but not the default, as the guide specifies 256 bit as the standard setting.

The default Agent Uninstall Password in Harmony Endpoint is a security feature that prevents unauthorized removal of the endpoint agent. Based on common practices in security software, the default password is often a simple, lowercase string that administrators are prompted to change after installation. In this case, the default password is "secret". This is a widely recognized default value in many systems, intended to be straightforward yet requiring replacement for enhanced security.

Option A, "Secret", is incorrect due to its capitalization, as defaults are typically case-sensitive and lowercase. Option B, "Chkp1234", could be plausible but is not a standard default for Check Point products in this context. Option D, "RemoveMe", is intuitive but not a commonly used default. Therefore, the correct answer is C. secret.

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.

According to Check Point documentation, the on-premises environment provides organizations with significantly greater control over product deployment and operation, including more extensive configuration options compared to a cloud-managed environment. Although this level of control is advantageous, it is also noted that it typically comes with higher support and maintenance costs.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"On-premises environment offers more options for deployment, greater control over operations, but it is also more costly to support."

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.

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.

External Policy Servers (EPS) enhance scalability in large Harmony Endpoint deployments by managing client communications. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfspecifies the maximum number of EPS supported per environment.

Onpage 190, under "Installing and Configuring an Endpoint Policy Server," the documentation states:

"You can install up to 20 Endpoint Policy Servers in an environment."

This extract directly confirms that1 to 20 Policy Serversare supported, makingOption Cthe correct answer. The limit ensures efficient load distribution without overwhelming the management infrastructure.

Evaluating the other options:

Option A: "From 1 to 25" exceeds the documented maximum of 20.

Option B: "From 1 to 15" underestimates the supported capacity.

Option D: "From 1 to 5" severely restricts the scalability potential outlined in the documentation.

Option Caligns perfectly with the official specification, supporting large-scale deployments as intended.

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.

The Endpoint Security Homepage, typically accessed via the Infinity Portal, provides resources to assist administrators in effectively deploying and managing Harmony Endpoint. These resources include documentation, user guides, and recommendations for optimal configuration and security management, which fall under the category of Best Practices. These materials help users understand how to set up and maintain the endpoint security solution efficiently.

Option A, Complicated Practices, is not a recognized category of resources and does not align with the purpose of the homepage. Option C, Unix Client OS Support, is not specifically highlighted as a focus of the homepage resources, as Harmony Endpoint primarily targets Windows and other common operating systems, with no prominent mention of Unix support in this context. Option D, Quantum Management, relates to Check Point’s Quantum security solutions, not the Endpoint Security Homepage. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Best Practices.

In the Harmony Endpoint portal, the POLICY Tab is used to manage security policies for various software capabilities such as Threat Prevention, Data Protection, and others. These policies are enforced through rules that dictate how each capability behaves on endpoint machines. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides clear evidence on how these rules are structured by default.

Onpage 166, under the section "Defining Endpoint Security Policies," the documentation states:

"You create and assign policies to the root node of the organizational tree as a property of each Endpoint Security component."

This indicates that a default policy (or rule) is established at the root level of the organizational hierarchy, inherently applying to all entities—users and computers—within the organization unless overridden by more specific rules. Further supporting this, onpage 19, in the "Organization-Centric model" section, it explains:

"You then define software deployment and security policies centrally for all nodes and entities, making the assignments as global or as granular as you need."

This global assignment at the root node confirms that the default rule encompasses all users and computers in the organization, aligning withOption D. The documentation does not suggest that the default rule is limited to computers only (Option A), nor does it state that no rules exist initially (Option B), or that rules are exclusive to the Firewall capability (Option C). Instead, each capability has its own default policy that applies globally until customized.

Option Ais incorrect because the default rule is not limited to computers. Page 19 notes: "The Security Policies for some Endpoint Security components are enforced for each user, and some are enforced on computers," showing that policies can apply to both based on the component, not just computers.

Option Bis false as the guide confirms default policies exist at the root node, not requiring administrators to create them from scratch (see page 166).

Option Cis inaccurate since rules exist for all capabilities (e.g., Anti-Malware on page 313, Media Encryption on page 280), not just Firewall, and all capabilities involve rules, not just actions.