156-536 Check Point Certified Harmony Endpoint Specialist - R81.20 (CCES) Questions and Answers

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.

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) where an attacker encrypts the victim’s data, rendering it inaccessible. The attacker then demands a ransom payment from the victim to provide the decryption key that will restore access to the data.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"Before a Ransomware attack can encrypt files, Anti-Ransomware backs up your files to a safe location. After the attack is stopped, it deletes files involved in the attack and restores the original files from the backup location." This indicates that ransomware encrypts files, confirming that the attacker encrypts the files and demands a payment for a decryption key.

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.

On-premises servers have only two user roles: "Admin" & "Read-only".

These are the roles:

Admin - Full Read & Write access to all system aspects.

Read-Only User - Has access to all system aspects, but cannot make any changes.

https://sc1.checkpoint.com/documents/R81/WebAdminGuides/EN/CP_R81_EndpointWebManagement_AdminGuide/Topics-HEPWM-R81/Managing_Users_in_Harmony_Endpoint.htm

The Check Point Support Center serves as a centralized portal providing access to the SecureKnowledge technical database, which is a comprehensive resource containing technical articles, solutions, and troubleshooting guides essential for managing Check Point products, including Harmony Endpoint. This is explicitly supported by theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfon page 3 under "Important Information," where it states, "Check Point R81.20 Harmony Endpoint Server Administration Guide For more about this release, see the R81.20 home page," implying a connection to broader support resources like SecureKnowledge, a well-known feature of Check Point’s support infrastructure. Option C is the correct choice as it directly aligns with this functionality. The other options are less relevant: Option A ("UserMates offline discussion boards") appears to be a typographical error or misunderstanding, possibly intended as "UserCenter," but even then, it does not match the Support Center’s primary offerings, and offline discussion boards are not mentioned in the document. Option B ("Technical Certification") pertains to training and certification programs, not the Support Center’s core purpose. Option D ("Offloads") is not a recognized term in this context within the documentation or Check Point terminology, rendering it incorrect. Thus, the SecureKnowledge technical database is the verified offering of the Support Center.

Harmony Endpoint offers advanced post-infection capabilities to analyze and mitigate threats after they occur. These features are detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfunder its threat prevention sections.

Onpage 346, under "Forensics," the guide states:

"Forensics provides automated attack analysis, helping to understand the nature and impact of threats."

Onpage 336, under "Quarantine Settings and Attack Remediation," it notes:

"Quarantine Settings and Attack Remediation allow for isolating infected files and systems."

Additionally, onpage 329, under "Harmony Endpoint Anti-Ransomware, Behavioral Guard and Forensics," it mentions:

"Analyzes incidents reported by other components."

These extracts collectively confirm that Harmony Endpoint includes:

Automated Attack Analysis (Forensics)– Automatically analyzing threats post-infection.

Remediation and Response– Addressing and repairing the damage (implied in attack remediation).

Quarantine– Isolating infected elements to prevent further spread.

This matchesOption Bperfectly.

Evaluating the other options:

Option A: IPS Attack Analysis (Forensics), Deploy and Destroy, and Isolation– "IPS" is a network feature, not endpoint-specific, and "Deploy and Destroy" is not a documented term.

Option C: FW Attack Analysis (Forensics), Detect and Prevent, and Isolation– "FW" (Firewall) is unrelated to endpoint post-infection, and "Detect and Prevent" are pre-infection actions.

Option D: IPS Attack Analysis (Forensics), Detect and Prevent, and Isolation– Again, "IPS" is incorrect, and "Detect and Prevent" is not post-infection-focused.

Option Baccurately represents Harmony Endpoint’s post-infection capabilities as per the documentation.

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.

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 Remote Help tool in Check Point Harmony Endpoint assists users with password recovery for specific scenarios, namely Full Disk Encryption (FDE) and Media Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP). TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 425, under "Remote Help," provides a clear description:

"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.For USB storage devices protected by Media Encryption & Port Protection policies, only remote password change is available."

This extract confirms that Remote Help offersUser Logon Pre-boot Remote Help(for FDE, covering one-time login and password changes) andMedia Encryption Remote Help(for MEPP, limited to password changes), precisely matchingOption B.

Option Ais incorrect because Remote Help is an active assistance tool, not merely a source of procedural information or FAQs (see page 425).

Option Cis inaccurate; providing links to encrypted files or decryption keys would compromise security and is not mentioned in the documentation.

Option Dis wrong as Remote Help assists end-users with their own access, not admin accounts on SmartEndpoint (see page 425).

In Harmony Endpoint, permissions define access levels for administrators and users across the organizational structure. TheCheck Point Harmony Endpoint Server Administration Guide R81.20explains how these permissions can be applied, particularly at the organizational level.

Onpage 132, under "Endpoint Security Administrator Roles," the guide describes roles like Super Admin:

"Full control over all aspects of the system,"

This suggests a scope that encompasses the entire organization. More specifically, onpage 166, under "Defining Endpoint Security Policies," it 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 permissions and policies can be set at the top level of the organizational hierarchy—the "root node"—applying uniformly to all entities beneath it. The term "organization-wide" best captures this concept, as it reflects a consistent access level across the entire organization, aligning withOption A.

Analyzing the other options:

Option B: Regional user permission settings– The guide does not define a "regional" scope; permissions are typically organizational or role-based, not geographically segmented (seepage 132).

Option C: Universal user permission settings– "Universal" is not a term used in the documentation and is too ambiguous to apply here.

Option D: Global user permission settings– While "global" might suggest broad scope, the guide consistently uses "organization" or "root node" to denote the highest level, making "organization-wide" more precise (perpage 166).

Option Ais directly supported by the guide’s terminology and policy assignment structure, particularly the reference to the "root node" onpage 166.

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.

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) in Check Point Harmony Endpoint enhances security beyond basic encryption by implementingpre-boot protection, which requires user authentication before the operating system loads. This is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 217, under "Check Point 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."

This statement highlights that pre-boot protection is a distinct layer of security, ensuring that the system remains inaccessible until authentication is completed. Further elaboration is found onpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)":

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

The pre-boot mechanism adds a critical layer by securing the system at the earliest stage of the boot process, distinguishing it from general encryption (which is a prerequisite but not the "additional layer" the question seeks). Thus,Option Bis the correct answer.

Option A ("By offering media encryption")is incorrect because media encryption is a feature of MEPP, not FDE (see page 280).

Option C ("By offering port protection")is also incorrect as port protection pertains to MEPP, not FDE (see page 280).

Option D ("By offering encryption")is too vague and does not specify the additional layer; encryption is inherent to FDE, but pre-boot protection is the added security mechanism.

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 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.

External Endpoint Policy Servers (EPS) are optional components in the Harmony Endpoint architecture, designed to enhance performance in large or geographically distributed environments. Their primary function is to offload tasks from the Endpoint Security Management Server (EMS) and optimize network resource usage across sites. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides a clear description of this role.

Onpage 25, under the section "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. The Endpoint Policy Server handles heartbeat and synchronization requests, Policy downloads, Anti-Malware updates, and Endpoint Security client logs."

This extract explicitly confirms that EPS:

Decrease the load on the EMS: By taking over client communication tasks (e.g., policy downloads, heartbeat requests, and log uploads), EPS reduce the processing burden on the central EMS.

Reduce the bandwidth required between sites: In distributed environments, clients connect to a local EPS rather than a distant EMS, minimizing the data transfer across site boundaries.

Option Daccurately reflects this dual role, making it the correct answer. Let’s evaluate the other options for clarity:

Option A ("Decrease policies and reduce traffic between sites"): EPS do not decrease the number of policies; policies are still defined and managed by the EMS. While "reduce traffic" could loosely align with bandwidth reduction, it lacks the specificity of "load on the EMS," making it incomplete.

Option B ("Decrease power and reduce accidents between sites"): This is irrelevant to endpoint security, as "power" and "accidents" are not concepts addressed in the context of EPS functionality.

Option C ("Decrease clients and reduce device agents between sites"): EPS do not reduce the number of clients or agents; they manage existing clients more efficiently, so this option is incorrect.

Thus,Option Dis the only choice fully supported by the documentation, providing a precise and complete description of EPS functionality.

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."

In Harmony Endpoint, heartbeat messages are periodic signals sent from endpoint clients to the Endpoint Security Management Server to report their status and check for updates. The default time interval for these messages is 60 seconds. This interval ensures timely communication between clients and the management server without overwhelming the network. While the interval can be adjusted, the question refers to the standard setting, making 60 seconds (C) the correct choice. 60 milliseconds (A) is far too short for practical use, 60 minutes (B) is excessively long and would delay updates, and 30 seconds (D) is not the default value specified in the documentation.

The Safe Search feature in Harmony Endpoint is intended to protect users by filtering out malicious or inappropriate content from search engine results. While specific documentation on supported search engines is not detailed here, it is standard for endpoint security solutions like Harmony Endpoint to support the most widely used search engines by default. These typically include Google, Bing, and Yahoo!, as they are the most common platforms where Safe Search functionality is applied.

Option A suggests additional support for Baidu, Yandex, Lycos, and Excite in cloud deployments, but there is no evidence to confirm these are supported, especially since Lycos and Excite are less prominent today. Option C limits support to Google and Bing for on-premises deployments, but there’s no indication that Safe Search functionality varies by deployment type. Option D includes OneSearch, which is less common and not typically associated with Harmony Endpoint’s Safe Search feature. Thus, the most accurate and likely answer is B. Google, Bing, and Yahoo!.

Push Operationsallow the Endpoint Security Management Server to modify client settings, such as shutting down or restarting computers, without requiring a policy installation. This is detailed on page 69 under "Performing Push Operations," where the guide states that administrators can perform immediate actions like "Restart Computer" and "Shutdown Computer" on selected clients. Options like Remote Operations (A) and Node Management (B) are not documented features for this purpose, while Remote Help (C) is intended for user assistance, such as password recovery (page 425), not direct client modifications.

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)

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.

The Media Encryption (ME) capability in Check Point Harmony Endpoint focuses on securing data on removable media by encrypting it and controlling access, often requiring user authorization as a key feature. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfdetails this functionality explicitly.

Onpage 280, under "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 establishes that Media Encryption encrypts storage media to protect data. Additionally, onpage 283, in "Configuring the Read Action," the documentation elaborates:

"You can configure the read action to require user authorization before allowing access to encrypted media. Require Authorization: Users must enter a password to access the media."

The "requiring authorization" aspect means that users must authenticate (e.g., via a password) to access the encrypted media, directly contributing to the protection of sensitive data by ensuring only authorized individuals can read it.Option A("Protects sensitive data and encrypts storage media") captures the primary accomplishment of this capability, with authorization being a mechanism to achieve that protection.

Option B("Controls ports and encrypts storage media") is partially correct, as port control is part of the broader "Media Encryption & Port Protection" component (page 280). However, the question specifies "Media Encryption (ME)," focusing on the encryption aspect, and port control is not directly tied to the authorization requirement for media access.

Option C("Controls ports and manages ports") omits encryption entirely, which is the core of ME, making it incorrect.

Option D("Decrypts and blocks access to specific ports") misrepresents ME’s purpose, which is to encrypt and secure data, not decrypt it, nor does it primarily block ports (that’s Port Protection’s role).

Thus,Option Aaligns best with the accomplishment of Media Encryption requiring authorization, emphasizing data protection through encryption and access control.