CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) — Question 204

A network technician is repurposing a switch that has been in storage for some time. The device has been wiped to factory defaults. Which of the following should be done FIRST to ensure the device has been hardened before configuration?

Answer options

• A. Generate new keys.
• B. Disable unused ports.
• C. Check for updated firmware.
• D. Configure the default VLAN.

Correct answer: C

Explanation

The correct answer is C because checking for updated firmware is crucial to ensure the switch has the latest security patches and features. Generating new keys (A) and disabling unused ports (B) are important but should be done after ensuring the firmware is current. Configuring the default VLAN (D) is part of the setup process but does not address security hardening initially.