Important CISSP Practice Question: Fiber Optics

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A Note Before You Begin

This is not about knowing how light pulses work or memorizing how copper conducts electricity. This is about why fiber optics exist in high security environments and what kind of threats they neutralize that copper cannot.

In the CISSP exam, every choice must be weighed in terms of risk reduction, business resilience, and long term security alignment.

You are not just choosing a cable type. You are deciding whether your infrastructure leaks quietly or holds firm under pressure.

Stay sharp

Luke Ahmed

Rymar Tech is upgrading its core infrastructure connecting two data centers. The current copper cabling has experienced interference during late night hours, leading to packet loss and intermittent outages. After investigation, the cause was traced to electromagnetic interference from a cleaning machine operating near exposed cabling.

The network engineering team proposes switching to fiber optics.

As the security manager, how do you justify this upgrade in terms of enterprise risk?

A. Fiber optics provide better compatibility with existing routers and switches

B. Fiber optics allow faster data transfer speeds over short distances

C. Fiber optics are immune to electromagnetic interference and harder to tap without detection

D. Copper cabling is easier to maintain and less expensive to replace

Think Like a Manager

You are not upgrading cables to keep the tech team happy. You are reducing attack surface and ensuring signal integrity under real world conditions.

This is physical layer risk mitigation, not performance tuning. The exam wants to see whether you recognize the security value of infrastructure decisions.

A CISSP does not just reduce outages. They eliminate uncertainty.

Why the Other Choices Fall Short

A. Compatibility is a deployment concern, not a security one. Most modern infrastructure supports fiber. It is not the deciding factor for a risk based decision

B. Speed is not the issue. Signal integrity and resistance to tampering are. Do not fall for the technical bait

D. Cost is important, but security decisions are rarely driven by what is cheapest. Especially when outages already impacted operations

The CISSP Core Concept Is The Physical Layer Risk Reduction

Fiber optics are not just faster. They are safer. Because they use light instead of electricity, they are naturally immune to electromagnetic interference, do not emit signals that can be intercepted, and alert immediately when tampered with due to signal disruption

That is why they are used in data centers, military bases, and financial networks. It is not about hype. It is about trust at the physical level

You are not just moving data. You are deciding how vulnerable that movement is to the outside world. The monetary expense could be worth it.