Internet of Things (IoT) Practice Exam

How does fog computing reduce security risks?

1. It acts on IoT data closer to the source

2. It creates unclear connections that are difficult to intercept

3. It reduces the need for remote management

4. It scrambles electronic signals and encrypts all data

The correct answer is: It acts on IoT data closer to the source

Fog computing reduces security risks primarily by processing IoT data closer to the source. This proximity to the data-generating devices allows for real-time analysis and decision-making, which can significantly minimize the amount of sensitive information that needs to be transmitted across networks. By handling more data locally at the edge of the network, fog computing limits the risk of data interception during transmission. Additionally, localized processing means that potential vulnerabilities in the central data center or cloud are less exposed, shifting security measures closer to the devices and reducing the surface area for potential attacks. While the other choices involve concepts related to security, they do not specifically address the fundamental way that fog computing mitigates risks by decentralizing data processing. For instance, the option regarding unclear connections may imply some level of difficulty for interception, but it lacks the direct relationship to fog computing practices. Similarly, reducing the need for remote management can improve efficiency but does not directly correlate to reducing security risks like localized data handling does. Scrambling signals and encrypting data are effective security measures, but they are not inherently tied to the principles of fog computing; rather, these are specific techniques that can be applied independently of the architectural model.