CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is the purpose of geofencing in security applications?

1. To track user movements outside of office premises

2. To restrict or allow access based on a user's geographic location

3. To enhance data encryption for users in specific zones

4. To manage user authentication times

The correct answer is: To restrict or allow access based on a user's geographic location

The purpose of geofencing in security applications is to restrict or allow access based on a user's geographic location. This technology utilizes GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, or cellular data to create a virtual boundary around a specified geographic area. When a user enters or exits this area, the system can trigger a predetermined action, such as granting or revoking access to certain applications, data, or features. For example, an organization might implement geofencing to ensure that only employees within a secure geographic zone can access sensitive company resources. This is particularly valuable for enhancing security by ensuring that data is only accessed in designated safe areas, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access from outside users. The other options focus on user movement tracking, enhancing data encryption, or managing authentication times, but they do not directly address the fundamental purpose of geofencing, which is tied to location-based access control. The true utility of geofencing lies in its ability to dynamically manage access rights based on a user’s real-time location relative to a defined virtual perimeter.