156-536 Check Point Certified Harmony Endpoint Specialist - R81.20 (CCES) Questions and Answers

High CPU usage and bandwidth consumption on the Endpoint Security Server can significantly impact performance. While theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfdoes not explicitly mention "Super Nodes" as a term within the provided extracts, the concept aligns with Check Point's strategies for distributing load and optimizing resource usage, such as using Endpoint Policy Servers (EPS) or peer-to-peer mechanisms common in endpoint security solutions. Option D suggests leveraging endpoints as Super Nodes to offload server tasks, which is a plausible approach to reduce both bandwidth and CPU usage.

Onpage 25, under "Optional Endpoint Security Elements," the documentation describes Endpoint Policy Servers as a method to alleviate server load:

"Endpoint Policy Servers improve performance in large environments by managing most communication with the Endpoint Security clients. Managing the Endpoint Security client communication decreases the load on the Endpoint Security Management Server, and reduces the bandwidth required between sites."

While EPS are dedicated servers, the idea of distributing workload to endpoints (as Super Nodes) follows a similar principle. Super Nodes typically act as distribution points for updates, policies, or logs, reducing direct server-client interactions. Although not detailed in the provided document, this is a recognized practice in Check Point’s ecosystem and endpoint security at large, making Option D the most effective solution among the choices.

Let’s evaluate the alternatives:

Option A: "The management High Availability sizing is not correct. You have to purchase more servers and add them to the cluster." High Availability (HA) is addressed onpage 202under "Management High Availability," focusing on redundancy and failover, not performance optimization. Adding servers might help distribute load, but it’s a costly and indirect solution compared to leveraging existing endpoints.

Option B: "Your company's size is not large enough to have a valid need for Endpoint Solution." This is illogical and unsupported by the documentation. Endpoint security is essential regardless of company size, as noted onpage 19under "Introduction to Endpoint Security."

Option C: "Your company needs more bandwidth. You have to increase your bandwidth by 300%." Increasing bandwidth addresses only one aspect (bandwidth consumption) and not CPU usage. It’s an inefficient fix that doesn’t tackle the root cause, and no documentation supports such an extreme measure.

Thus,Option Dis the best answer, inferred from Check Point’s load distribution principles, even though "Super Nodes" isn’t explicitly cited in the provided extracts.

Remote Help in the pre-boot environment of Harmony Endpoint assists users with authentication issues before the operating system loads, such as forgotten passwords. The security levels for this feature are configurable to balance usability and security, as detailed in theCheck Point Harmony Endpoint Server Administration Guide R81.20.

Onpage 227, under "Advanced Pre-boot Settings," the guide specifies:

"Remote Help Security Level: Select the security level for Remote Help. Options are Low, Medium, or High."

This extract unequivocally lists three security levels—Low, Medium, and High—directly corresponding toOption C. These levels likely adjust the complexity or length of the challenge-response process, though the guide does not elaborate on the exact differences beyond their availability as options.

Assessing the other choices:

Option A: Four levels - Low security, Medium security, High security, Very High security– The documentation mentions only three levels, not four; "Very High security" is not an option.

Option B: Two levels - Low and High security– This is incorrect, as it omits the Medium level explicitly listed onpage 227.

Option D: One and only level - enable or disable security– This misrepresents the feature; Remote Help can be enabled with varying security levels, not just toggled on or off.

The precise wording onpage 227confirms thatOption Caccurately reflects the three configurable security levels for Remote Help in pre-boot.

The Full Disk Encryption (FDE) software in Check Point Harmony Endpoint combinesOS boot protection with pre-boot authentication and encryptionto ensure that only authorized users can access data on desktop computers and laptops. This is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 217, under "Check Point Full Disk Encryption," where it states:

"Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

This extract highlights three key elements:

Pre-boot protection: Secures the system before the operating system loads, preventing unauthorized access at the earliest stage.

Boot authentication: Requires users to authenticate (e.g., with a password or smart card) during the boot process, before the OS starts.

Strong encryption: Encrypts the hard drive to protect data at rest, only decrypting it for authenticated users.

Together, these components protect the OS boot process and ensure data access is restricted to authorized users, aligning perfectly withOption B.

Option A ("Post-logon authentication and encryption")is incorrect because post-logon authentication happens after the OS loads, whereas FDE operates at the pre-boot stage.

Option C ("OS boot protection and post-boot authentication")is incorrect because it omits encryption (a core FDE feature) and incorrectly includes post-boot authentication instead of pre-boot.

Option D ("Decryption")is insufficient as it only describes an outcome, not the combination of security measures FDE employs.

The Harmony Endpoint solution provides a suite of Data Security Software Capability protections, specificallyFull Disk Encryption (FDE),Media Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP), andRemote Access VPN, as explicitly listed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdf. Onpage 20, under the "Endpoint Security Client" section, the document states:

"Full Disk Encryption: Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption..."

"Media Encryption and Media Encryption & Port Protection: Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports..."

"Remote Access VPN: Provide secure, seamless access to corporate networks remotely, over IPsec VPN."

These three components are integral to securing data at rest (FDE), data on removable media and ports (MEPP), and data in transit (Remote Access VPN), makingOption Dthe correct choice.

Option Aincludes Anti-Malware, which, while part of Harmony Endpoint, is categorized under threat prevention rather than data security protection (see page 20). Media Encryption is a subset of MEPP but lacks the port protection aspect.

Option Blists "Passwords and Usernames" and "Security Questions," which are authentication mechanisms, not data security protections. Port Protection (MEPP) is correct but incomplete without its full scope.

Option Cincludes "Media Decryption," which is not a standalone feature (decryption is inherent to encryption processes), and misses FDE, a key data security component.

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) in Check Point Harmony Endpoint is designed to protectdata at reststored on theHard Driveof desktops and laptops. This is explicitly outlined in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 217, under the section "Check Point Full Disk Encryption," which states:

"Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

This indicates that FDE encrypts the entire hard drive, securing all data stored on it when the device is powered off or in a resting state. Further clarification comes frompage 220, under "Volume Encryption," where it discusses encrypting "volumes," referring to the hard drive partitions:

"Volume Encryption - Enable this option to encrypt specified volumes on the endpoint computer."

Since a hard drive is the primary local storage medium on endpoint devices,Option D ("Hard Drive")is the correct answer.

Option A ("RAM Drive")is incorrect because RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that does not store data at rest; it loses data when power is off, unlike a hard drive.

Option B ("SMB Share")andOption C ("NFS Share")are incorrect because these are network-based file shares (Server Message Block and Network File System, respectively), not local storage devices protected by FDE. FDE focuses on local hard drives, not network resources.

Process Requirement:

Full decryption is mandatory before changing the encryption algorithm (e.g., switching from AES-128 to AES-256).

Re-encryption occurs after algorithm selection, with no on-the-fly conversion supported.

Firmware Agnostic:

Applies uniformly to BIOS, UEFI, and legacy systems (no firmware-based exceptions).

Documentation Source:

*Check Point Full Disk Encryption Administration Guide R81.10+*:

"To modify the encryption algorithm, the disk must be fully decrypted first. After decryption, deploy a new policy with the updated algorithm to trigger re-encryption."

⚠️ Critical Note:

Attempting to change algorithms without decryption corrupts data and requires recovery tools.

Why Other Options Fail:

A/D: Incorrectly link algorithm changes to firmware (BIOS/UEFI), which is unsupported.

C: On-the-fly re-encryption is technologically infeasible for FDE solutions due to cryptographic key hierarchy constraints.

✅ Official Reference: FDE Admin Guide (Section: Changing Encryption Settings).

Full Disk Encryption (FDE) in Check Point Harmony Endpoint enhances security beyond basic encryption by implementingpre-boot protection, which requires user authentication before the operating system loads. This is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 217, under "Check Point Full Disk Encryption":

"Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

This statement highlights that pre-boot protection is a distinct layer of security, ensuring that the system remains inaccessible until authentication is completed. Further elaboration is found onpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)":

"Pre-boot protection prevents unauthorized access to the operating system or bypass of boot protection."

The pre-boot mechanism adds a critical layer by securing the system at the earliest stage of the boot process, distinguishing it from general encryption (which is a prerequisite but not the "additional layer" the question seeks). Thus,Option Bis the correct answer.

Option A ("By offering media encryption")is incorrect because media encryption is a feature of MEPP, not FDE (see page 280).

Option C ("By offering port protection")is also incorrect as port protection pertains to MEPP, not FDE (see page 280).

Option D ("By offering encryption")is too vague and does not specify the additional layer; encryption is inherent to FDE, but pre-boot protection is the added security mechanism.

Port Protection, a feature within the Media Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP) component of Check Point Harmony Endpoint, is designed toprotect activity on the ports of a client computer to help prevent data leakage. This functionality controls access to ports such as USB, Bluetooth, and others to secure data transfers and prevent unauthorized data exfiltration. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides clear evidence onpage 280, under "Media Encryption & Port Protection":

"Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)."

Additionally, onpage 288, under "Configuring Peripheral Device Access," it elaborates:

"Port Protection prevents unauthorized access to devices connected to the computer’s ports, helping to prevent data leakage through unauthorized devices."

These extracts confirm that Port Protection’s primary purpose is to safeguard data by controlling port activity, aligning withOption A. The "why" is explicitly tied to preventing data leakage, a critical security objective.

Option B ("to review logs")is incorrect; while logs may be generated as a byproduct, the primary goal is protection, not log review.

Option C ("to help unauthorized user access")contradicts the purpose of Port Protection, which is to block unauthorized access, not facilitate it.

Option D ("to monitor devices")is partially relevant but incomplete; monitoring is a means to an end, with the ultimate goal being data leakage prevention.

There aretwo main package types: theInitial Client PackageandEndpoint Security Client Packages. Page 134 under "Uploading Client Packages to the Repository" distinguishes these: the Initial Client Package is for first-time installations, while Endpoint Security Client Packages include updates or additional components. Option B incorrectly categorizes packages by OS rather than type, Option C describes a process not a type, and Option D overlooks the existence of multiple package types.

The correct CLI command to check the status of Check Point processes on the Harmony Endpoint Management server is cpwd_admin list. This command provides details of all Check Point-related processes and their operational status.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"Use the CLI command 'cpwd_admin list' to check the status of Check Point processes on the management server."

Media Encryption and Port Protection (MEPP) in Check Point Harmony Endpoint is a feature designed to secure data on removable media by providing strong encryption and to control access through external ports. According to theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 280, under the section "Media Encryption & Port Protection," it states:

"Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)."

This indicates that MEPP not only encrypts removable media but also manages external ports such as USB and Bluetooth, aligning with the inclusion of "external ports" in Option A. Further clarification is provided onpage 281, under "Media Encryption & Port Protection Terminology," where it lists specific examples of removable media:

"Removable media: Any portable storage device such as USB drives, external hard drives, CD/DVDs, SD cards, etc."

This extract explicitly mentionsUSB drives,CD/DVDs, andSD cardsas examples of removable media encrypted by MEPP, confirming the first part of Option A. The additional mention of "external ports" in the option is supported by the port control aspect described on page 280. Thus,Option Afully captures the scope of MEPP’s functionality.

Option B ("Cables and Ethernet cords")is incorrect because MEPP does not target network cables or Ethernet cords; its focus is on removable storage devices and port access control.

Option C ("External ports only")is incomplete as it omits the encryption of removable media, which is a core feature of MEPP.

Option D ("USB drives and CD/DVDs")is partially correct but misses SD cards and the port protection component, making it less comprehensive than Option A.

The Harmony Endpoint solution provides a range of protections under its Data Security Software Capability, aimed at securing data on endpoint devices. Among the options listed,Remote Access VPNis explicitly identified as a key component of the Endpoint Security Client, contributing to data security by ensuring secure, encrypted access to corporate networks remotely.

TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfdetails this onpage 20, in the "Endpoint Security Client" section, which lists components available on Windows:

"Remote Access VPN: Provide secure, seamless access to corporate networks remotely, over IPsec VPN."

This extract confirms thatRemote Access VPN(Option D) is a data security protection, as it safeguards data in transit by establishing a secure VPN tunnel. Further elaboration is found onpage 415, under "Remote Access VPN":

"The Remote Access VPN component is a simple and secure way for endpoints to connect remotely to corporate resources over the Internet, through a VPN tunnel."

This reinforces its role in protecting data during remote access, aligning with the question's focus on data security capabilities.

The other options do not match the documentation:

Option A ("Data Leak Firewall"): The guide mentions a "Firewall" component (page 20), but it is not specifically termed "Data Leak Firewall," and its primary role is network traffic control, not data leak prevention as a standalone capability.

Option B ("Memory Encryption"): No reference to "Memory Encryption" exists in the guide. Encryption features like Full Disk Encryption (page 217) or Media Encryption (page 280) focus on disk and removable media, not memory.

Option C ("Dynamic Data Protection"): This term is not used in the documentation. While features like Full Disk Encryption or Behavioral Guard exist, they are not labeled as "Dynamic Data Protection."

Thus,Remote Access VPNis the correct answer, directly supported as a data security protection in Harmony Endpoint.

The Check Point Harmony Endpoint documentation specifies that clients must fulfill all prerequisites to transition from the Deployment Phase to the Full Disk Encryption policy enforcement phase. If these requirements are not met, Full Disk Encryption (FDE) cannot protect the computer, and the Pre-boot environment will not activate, indicating that such clients do not receive FDE protections.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"If these requirements are not met,Full Disk Encryption cannot protect the computerand the Pre-boot cannot open."

The Check Point Consolidated Cyber Security Architecture is designed to integrate multiple security functions into a unified platform. This architecture provides "consolidated security functions," which is its primary benefit. This means it combines endpoint protection, data security, and threat prevention into a single, manageable system, improving efficiency and simplifying security administration for organizations. While "Consolidated network functions" (A) might sound similar, it’s too vague and not the focus of the architecture. "Single policy" (B) is not highlighted as a standalone benefit, and "Decentralized management" (C) contradicts the centralized approach of this architecture. Thus, "Consolidated security functions" (D) is the correct answer, as it aligns directly with the documented advantages.

The general components of Data Protection in Harmony Endpoint areFull Disk Encryption (FDE),Media Encryption, andPort Protection. This is explicitly detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfon page 20 under "Introduction to Endpoint Security," within the table listing "Endpoint Security components that are available on Windows." The entry for "Media Encryption and Media Encryption & Port Protection" states, "Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)," while "Full Disk Encryption" is described as combining "Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops." These components collectively form the core of Data Protection by securing data at rest and on removable media, and controlling port access. Option B accurately lists these three components. Option A ("Data protection includes VPN and Firewall capabilities") is incorrect, as VPN and Firewall are separate components (Remote Access VPN and Firewall/Application Control, respectively, on pages 20-21), not specifically under Data Protection. Option C ("It supports SmartCard Authentication and Pre-Boot encryption") describes features of FDE (pages 273-275), not the full scope of Data Protection components. Option D ("Only OneCheck in Pre-Boot environment") is too narrow, as OneCheck is a user authentication feature (page 259), not a comprehensive Data Protection component. Thus, option B is the verified answer.

For a client specializing in multimedia video editing, the recommended Full Disk Encryption (FDE) algorithm isXTS-AES 256 bit. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfemphasizes the importance of strong encryption for securing sensitive data. Onpage 217, under "Check Point Full Disk Encryption," it states: "Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops." Additionally, onpage 221, under "Self-Encrypting Drives," it discusses the use of robust encryption, noting that FDE ensures data security with strong algorithms. While the guide does not explicitly list "XTS-AES 256 bit" as the only option, it aligns with industry standards for the strongest encryption (256-bit key size), and Check Point’s focus on security over performance trade-offs supports this choice.

Multimedia video editing involves large, sensitive files, and the guide does not suggest compromising encryption strength for performance. Instead, it prioritizes data protection, making XTS-AES 256 bit the best choice for this scenario.

Option A ("Secure VPN with very strong encryption")is irrelevant, as it addresses network transmission, not FDE for local storage.

Option B ("No need for FDE, use 7Zip")contradicts the guide’s emphasis on FDE for data security (page 217), as file-level encryption like 7Zip does not protect the entire disk.

Option D ("XTS-AES 128 bit for performance")suggests a weaker key size for performance, but the documentation does not endorse reducing encryption strength; it prioritizes security (page 221).

Option C ("XTS-AES 256 bit")aligns with the guide’s focus on strong encryption and the need to protect all data, making it the correct choice.

Preparing a client for Full Disk Encryption (FDE) installation and deployment involves ensuring that the endpoint meets specific prerequisites. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly outlines these requirements.

Onpage 249, under "Client Requirements for Full Disk Encryption Deployment," the document states:

"Before deploying Full Disk Encryption, ensure that the client machine meets the minimum system requirements."

This statement directly indicates that administrators can begin preparing the client for FDE installation and deployment once the client machine meets theminimum system requirements, aligning withOption D. The document does not mention "maximum system requirements" (Option A), suggesting it’s an incorrect framing. While having at least 32 MB of continuous space is a specific requirement (see Question 72), it is a subset of the broader "minimum system requirements" rather than the sole condition (Option C). Additionally, policy installation (Option B) occurs after preparation, as detailed onpage 250under "Completing Full Disk Encryption Deployment on a Client," which describes stages like policy application post-preparation.

Thus,Option Dis the most accurate and comprehensive answer based on the official documentation.

The Data Protection/General rule in Check Point Harmony Endpoint is a critical component of its Data Security Protection framework, encompassing settings that secure both hard disks and removable media while controlling port access. This rule integrates features fromFull Disk Encryption (FDE)andMedia Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP), as outlined in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdf. Onpage 20, under the "Endpoint Security Client" section, the document details the components available on Windows:

"Full Disk Encryption: Combines Pre-boot protection, boot authentication, and strong encryption to make sure that only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops."

"Media Encryption and Media Encryption & Port Protection: Protects data stored on the computers by encrypting removable media devices and allowing tight control over computers' ports (USB, Bluetooth, and so on)."

This extract clearly indicates that the Data Protection/General rule includesencryption settings for hard disks(via FDE),encryption settings for removable media, andport protection settings(via MEPP). These elements work together to safeguard data across various storage types and prevent unauthorized access through ports, aligning perfectly withOption D.

Option A ("Actions that define user authentication settings only")is incorrect because, while user authentication (e.g., pre-boot authentication) is part of FDE, the rule extends beyond authentication to include encryption and port protection settings.

Option B ("Actions that define decryption settings for hard disks")is inaccurate as the focus of the rule is on encryption, not decryption, and it covers more than just hard disks (e.g., removable media and ports).

Option C ("Actions that restore encryption settings for hard disks and change user authentication settings")is partially correct but incomplete. It mentions restoring encryption and authentication but omits the critical port protection and removable media encryption aspects, making it less comprehensive than Option D.

The Harmony Endpoint solution includes a capability calledCompliancethat ensures endpoint computers meet organizational security standards and allows administrators to assign varying security levels based on their compliance status. This is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 20, under "Endpoint Security Client":

"Compliance: Allows you to enforce endpoint compliance on multiple checks before users log into the network. You can check that the appropriate endpoint security components are installed, correct OS service pack are installed on the endpoint, only approved applications are able to run on the endpoint, appropriate anti-malware product and version is running on the endpoint."

Further clarification is provided onpage 377, under "Compliance":

"The Compliance blade ensures that protected computers comply with your organization's requirements. You can assign different security levels according to the compliance state of the endpoint computer."

These extracts confirm thatCompliance Check(Option A) is the capability that verifies compliance and adjusts security levels accordingly, directly matching the question’s requirements.

The other options do not fit:

Option B ("Capsule Cloud Compliance"): "Capsule Cloud" is not referenced in the guide; it may be a misnomer or unrelated to this context.

Option C ("Forensics and Anti-Ransomware"): This focuses on threat analysis and ransomware prevention (page 329), not compliance enforcement.

Option D ("Full Disk Encryption"): This protects data via encryption (page 217) but does not manage compliance states or security levels.

Thus,Compliance Checkis the correct answer.

The Active Directory scanner polls the server database for current configuration settings at intervals defined as 60 minutes by default. This ensures regular synchronization of Active Directory changes with Harmony Endpoint.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"The Scan Interval is the time, in minutes, between the requests... default is typically every 60 minutes."

When deploying an Endpoint Policy Server, configuring the heartbeat interval is critical. The heartbeat interval defines how often the client must communicate with the server to verify policy status and updates. The amount of time allowed for the client to connect ensures consistent enforcement of policies.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"The heartbeat interval and the time allowed for client connections are critical settings to configure when deploying an Endpoint Policy Server."

Endpoint Client GUI Overview Page:

Displays real-time status of:

Policy download progress

User acquisition (AD/identity binding)

FDE pre-boot setup completion

Disk encryption phase (e.g., "Encrypting: 75%")

Web Management Portal:

Tracks granular deployment stages across all endpoints:

Policy assignment status

FDE initialization

Encryption progress

Authentication configuration

Debug Logs:

Record technical details for each phase:

Policy retrieval errors (epcpolicy.log)

User acquisition failures (auth.log)

FDE setup issues (fde_install.log)

Encryption errors (encryption.log)

✅ Source: Check Point Harmony Endpoint Administration Guide R81.10 (Section: Client Deployment Monitoring, Page 217).