CISSP Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

A bastion host is a critical element in network security, specifically designed to be a focal point for defenses against external threats. The correct answer highlights that a bastion host is typically placed in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) of a network, often exposed to the internet. This placement means it serves as a point of entry for external connections but is not fully shielded by a firewall from potential attacks, hence why it's described as being "not protected" in a conventional sense.

The significance of a bastion host arises from its hardened configuration, which means it has undergone stringent security measures and software selection to minimize vulnerabilities, making it robust against direct attacks. While it is indeed exposed to threats, its design is fundamentally about withstanding attacks rather than being completely unprotected.

Understanding why other choices do not fit is also useful: the first option implies a certain level of isolation or protection that is misleading in the context of a bastion host; the third option misidentifies it as merely a type of network switch, disregarding its purpose in security architecture; and the fourth refers to a method of communication rather than a security device. The proper comprehension of these aspects underscores the unique function a bastion host plays within an organization's overall security