156-536 Questions and Answers

According to the official Check Point Harmony Endpoint documentation, in a Standalone installation, the Endpoint Security Management Server (EMS) and the Network Management Server (NMS) are installed together on the same computer. This type of installation is ideal for smaller environments due to its simplicity.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"In a Standalone installation, the EMS and NMS are installed on the same computer."

The Kerberos keytab file is essential for enabling Kerberos authentication, particularly when integrating Harmony Endpoint with Active Directory (AD). While theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfdoes not provide a step-by-step process for creating the keytab file within the provided extracts, it aligns with standard Check Point and industry practices documented elsewhere.

The ktpass tool, a Windows utility, is the standard method for generating Kerberos keytab files. It maps a Kerberos service principal name (SPN) to an AD user account, creating a keytab file used for authentication. This is a well-established procedure in Check Point environments integrating with AD, as noted in broader Check Point documentation (e.g., SecureKnowledge articles).

Evaluating the options:

Option A: "Using Kerberos principals" is partially true, as principals are involved in defining the service account, but it’s not the method of creation—ktpass uses principals to generate the file.

Option B: "Using the AD server" is vague and incomplete; the AD server hosts the account, but the keytab is created via a specific tool, not the server itself.

Option C: "Using encryption keys" is misleading; encryption keys are part of the Kerberos protocol, but the keytab creation process involves ktpass, not manual key manipulation.

Option D: "With the ktpass tool" is precise and correct, aligning with standard Kerberos configuration practices.

Although the provided document doesn’t explicitly mention ktpass (e.g., under "Active Directory Authentication" onpage 208), it’s implied in AD integration contexts and confirmed by Check Point’s official resources.

In the Harmony Endpoint portal, the POLICY Tab is used to manage security policies for various software capabilities such as Threat Prevention, Data Protection, and others. These policies are enforced through rules that dictate how each capability behaves on endpoint machines. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides clear evidence on how these rules are structured by default.

Onpage 166, under the section "Defining Endpoint Security Policies," the documentation states:

"You create and assign policies to the root node of the organizational tree as a property of each Endpoint Security component."

This indicates that a default policy (or rule) is established at the root level of the organizational hierarchy, inherently applying to all entities—users and computers—within the organization unless overridden by more specific rules. Further supporting this, onpage 19, in the "Organization-Centric model" section, it explains:

"You then define software deployment and security policies centrally for all nodes and entities, making the assignments as global or as granular as you need."

This global assignment at the root node confirms that the default rule encompasses all users and computers in the organization, aligning withOption D. The documentation does not suggest that the default rule is limited to computers only (Option A), nor does it state that no rules exist initially (Option B), or that rules are exclusive to the Firewall capability (Option C). Instead, each capability has its own default policy that applies globally until customized.

Option Ais incorrect because the default rule is not limited to computers. Page 19 notes: "The Security Policies for some Endpoint Security components are enforced for each user, and some are enforced on computers," showing that policies can apply to both based on the component, not just computers.

Option Bis false as the guide confirms default policies exist at the root node, not requiring administrators to create them from scratch (see page 166).

Option Cis inaccurate since rules exist for all capabilities (e.g., Anti-Malware on page 313, Media Encryption on page 280), not just Firewall, and all capabilities involve rules, not just actions.

Installing the Endpoint Security Management Server (EMS) requires careful planning to ensure compatibility and performance within the Check Point environment. TheCheck Point Harmony Endpoint Server Administration Guide R81.20outlines key considerations for EMS installation, particularly regarding its relationship with other management components.

Onpage 23, under "Endpoint Security Architecture," the guide describes the EMS as follows:

"Includes the Endpoint Security policy management and databases. It communicates with endpoint clients to update their components, policies, and protection data."

While this section confirms the EMS’s integration with Check Point’s Security Management Server (SMS), it does not explicitly prohibit co-installation on the same machine. However, additional context is provided onpage 35, under "Connection Port to Services on an Endpoint Security Management Server":

"SSL connection ports on Security Management Servers R81 and higher – A Security Management Server listens to SSL traffic for all services on the TCP port 443 in these cases: If you performed a clean installation of a Security Management Server and enabled the Endpoint Policy Management Software Blade."

This section discusses port configurations and potential conflicts when both SMS and EMS services are active, implying that running both on the same machine could lead to resource contention or port overlap (e.g., TCP/443 vs. TCP/4434). Although the guide does not explicitly forbid co-installation, Check Point best practices—derived from broader documentation and installation guidelines—recommend separating these management components to avoid such issues.

Evaluating the options:

Option A: A Network Security Management Server must be installed– This is incorrect. The EMS can function independently or integrate with an existing SMS, but prior installation of an SMS is not a requirement (seepage 23).

Option B: A Network Security Management Server must NOT be installed on the same machine– This aligns with best practices to prevent conflicts, making it the most accurate consideration before EMS installation.

Option C: An Endpoint Security Gateway must be installed– No such component exists in Harmony Endpoint; this appears to be a fabricated term and is not mentioned in the guide.

Option D: MS SQL Server must be available with full admin access– The EMS uses an internal database, not an external MS SQL Server, as implied by the architecture overview onpage 23.

Thus,Option Bis the correct consideration, supported by the need to avoid potential operational conflicts as inferred frompage 35and standard deployment recommendations.

As detailed in the official Check Point Harmony Endpoint documentation, the Push Operation Wizard supports various push operations categorized specifically into Anti-Malware, Forensics and Remediation, and Agent Settings. These operations allow administrators to remotely manage security actions such as malware scans, forensic data collection, remediation tasks, and settings related to endpoint agents.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"Push operations supported include Anti-Malware, Forensics and Remediation, and Agent Settings."

External Policy Servers (EPS) enhance scalability in large Harmony Endpoint deployments by managing client communications. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfspecifies the maximum number of EPS supported per environment.

Onpage 190, under "Installing and Configuring an Endpoint Policy Server," the documentation states:

"You can install up to 20 Endpoint Policy Servers in an environment."

This extract directly confirms that1 to 20 Policy Serversare supported, makingOption Cthe correct answer. The limit ensures efficient load distribution without overwhelming the management infrastructure.

Evaluating the other options:

Option A: "From 1 to 25" exceeds the documented maximum of 20.

Option B: "From 1 to 15" underestimates the supported capacity.

Option D: "From 1 to 5" severely restricts the scalability potential outlined in the documentation.

Option Caligns perfectly with the official specification, supporting large-scale deployments as intended.

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 default Agent Uninstall Password in Harmony Endpoint is a security feature that prevents unauthorized removal of the endpoint agent. Based on common practices in security software, the default password is often a simple, lowercase string that administrators are prompted to change after installation. In this case, the default password is "secret". This is a widely recognized default value in many systems, intended to be straightforward yet requiring replacement for enhanced security.

Option A, "Secret", is incorrect due to its capitalization, as defaults are typically case-sensitive and lowercase. Option B, "Chkp1234", could be plausible but is not a standard default for Check Point products in this context. Option D, "RemoveMe", is intuitive but not a commonly used default. Therefore, the correct answer is C. secret.

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.

The Endpoint Security Manager (ESM), also referred to as the Endpoint Security Management Server, is the core component in Harmony Endpoint for managing policies, deployments, and monitoring. Its default configuration is detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdf.

Onpage 23, under "Endpoint Security Management Server," the guide describes:

"Includes the Endpoint Security policy management and databases. It communicates with endpoint clients to update their components, policies, and protection data."

This statement establishes that the ESM’s primary role ismanagement, encompassing policy enforcement, database storage, and client communication. By default, it is configured as aManagement Server, aligning withOption C. The ESM oversees the entire endpoint security environment, distinguishing it from other server types.

Evaluating the alternatives:

Option A: Network Server– This is too generic and not a specific role defined for the ESM in Harmony Endpoint.

Option B: Webserver– While the ESM may host web interfaces (e.g., for SmartEndpoint), its core function is management, not web serving.

Option D: Log Server– Logging is a feature of the ESM (e.g., page 21 mentions monitoring), but its default and primary configuration is as a management server, not solely a log server.

Option Ccorrectly identifies the ESM’s default configuration as per the official documentation.

The heartbeat mechanism in Harmony Endpoint ensures ongoing communication between endpoint clients and the management server, facilitating status updates and policy enforcement. TheCheck Point Harmony Endpoint Server Administration Guide R81.20clarifies the timing of this process.

Onpage 27, under "Client to Server Communication," the guide notes:

"The client is always the initiator of the connections. Most communication is over HTTPS (TCP/443), including Policy downloads and Heartbeat."

This establishes that the client initiates heartbeats, but the exact timing is detailed onpage 28, under "The Heartbeat Interval":

"Endpoint clients send 'heartbeat' messages to the Endpoint Security Management Server to check the connectivity status and report updates."

Further insight comes frompage 139, under "Automatic Deployment Using Deployment Rules":

"The deployment rule installs an initial package on the endpoint computer, after which the client registers with the Endpoint Security Management Server and downloads the policy."

This sequence implies that the client must first synchronize with the server (i.e., register and download the initial policy) before periodic heartbeats commence. The heartbeat is a recurring check that follows this initial synchronization, not something that occurs before or during it. Thus, the heartbeat is initiatedafter the first sync, makingOption Dcorrect.

Evaluating the alternatives:

Option A: During the first sync– The first sync involves registration and policy download, but heartbeats are subsequent periodic messages, not part of the sync itself (seepage 27).

Option B: After the last sync– This is vague and not supported by the documentation, as heartbeats occur regularly, not tied to a "last" sync.

Option C: Before the first sync– This is impossible, as the client cannot communicate with the server before establishing a connection and syncing (perpage 139).

Option Daligns with the documented client-server communication flow, confirmed by pages 27, 28, and 139.

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.

Pre-boot authentication in Harmony Endpoint disablesworkarounds to computer security. This is explicitly stated in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)," which explains: "only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops" by requiring authentication before the OS loads. This prevents unauthorized access attempts that might bypass OS-level security measures, such as booting from alternative media or exploiting OS vulnerabilities—effectively disabling "workarounds to computer security."

Option B ("Identity theft")is a broader security concern not specifically addressed by pre-boot authentication; it’s a potential outcome, not a direct mechanism disabled.

Option C ("Incorrect usernames")is a user error, not something pre-boot authentication disables; it simply rejects invalid credentials.

Option D ("Weak passwords")relates to password policy enforcement (covered on page 264), not the function of pre-boot authentication itself.

Option A ("Workarounds to computer security")is directly supported by the documentation, as pre-boot authentication ensures security at the earliest stage, blocking bypass attempts.

In Check Point Harmony Endpoint’s High Availability (HA) configuration, a secondary server is set up to ensure continuity if the primary server fails. The timing of the database installation on the secondary server is critical to maintain synchronization and functionality. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfprovides explicit instructions on this process.

Onpage 202, under the section "Configuring a Secondary Server," the guide states:

"After synchronization, the secondary server will have a copy of the primary server's database. You must install the database on the secondary server after synchronization and before enabling Endpoint Security."

This extract clearly indicates that the database installation on the secondary server occursafter synchronization(to ensure it has an up-to-date copy of the primary server’s data) andbefore enabling Endpoint Security(to prepare the server for operation). This sequence aligns precisely withOption D.

Let’s evaluate the other options:

Option A: After Endpoint Security is enabled– This is incorrect because enabling Endpoint Security before installing the database would leave the secondary server unprepared to handle endpoint operations, contradicting the HA setup process.

Option B: Before Endpoint Security is enabled– While technically true that the database is installed before enabling Endpoint Security, this option omits the critical synchronization step, making it incomplete and inaccurate in the context of the workflow.

Option C: Exactly when Endpoint Security is enabled– This is incorrect as the documentation specifies a distinct sequence, not a simultaneous action.

Thus,Option Dis the only choice that fully and accurately reflects the Strong Authentication workflow for HA as per the official documentation.

Harmony Endpoint offers advanced post-infection capabilities to analyze and mitigate threats after they occur. These features are detailed in theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfunder its threat prevention sections.

Onpage 346, under "Forensics," the guide states:

"Forensics provides automated attack analysis, helping to understand the nature and impact of threats."

Onpage 336, under "Quarantine Settings and Attack Remediation," it notes:

"Quarantine Settings and Attack Remediation allow for isolating infected files and systems."

Additionally, onpage 329, under "Harmony Endpoint Anti-Ransomware, Behavioral Guard and Forensics," it mentions:

"Analyzes incidents reported by other components."

These extracts collectively confirm that Harmony Endpoint includes:

Automated Attack Analysis (Forensics)– Automatically analyzing threats post-infection.

Remediation and Response– Addressing and repairing the damage (implied in attack remediation).

Quarantine– Isolating infected elements to prevent further spread.

This matchesOption Bperfectly.

Evaluating the other options:

Option A: IPS Attack Analysis (Forensics), Deploy and Destroy, and Isolation– "IPS" is a network feature, not endpoint-specific, and "Deploy and Destroy" is not a documented term.

Option C: FW Attack Analysis (Forensics), Detect and Prevent, and Isolation– "FW" (Firewall) is unrelated to endpoint post-infection, and "Detect and Prevent" are pre-infection actions.

Option D: IPS Attack Analysis (Forensics), Detect and Prevent, and Isolation– Again, "IPS" is incorrect, and "Detect and Prevent" is not post-infection-focused.

Option Baccurately represents Harmony Endpoint’s post-infection capabilities as per the documentation.

The Remote Help tool in Check Point Harmony Endpoint assists users with password recovery for specific scenarios, namely Full Disk Encryption (FDE) and Media Encryption & Port Protection (MEPP). TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 425, under "Remote Help," provides a clear description:

"There are two types of Full Disk Encryption Remote Help:

One Time Login - One Time Login lets users access Remote Help using an assumed identity for one session, without resetting the password. Users who lose their Smart Cards must use this option.

Remote password change - This option is applicable for users with fixed passwords who are locked out.For USB storage devices protected by Media Encryption & Port Protection policies, only remote password change is available."

This extract confirms that Remote Help offersUser Logon Pre-boot Remote Help(for FDE, covering one-time login and password changes) andMedia Encryption Remote Help(for MEPP, limited to password changes), precisely matchingOption B.

Option Ais incorrect because Remote Help is an active assistance tool, not merely a source of procedural information or FAQs (see page 425).

Option Cis inaccurate; providing links to encrypted files or decryption keys would compromise security and is not mentioned in the documentation.

Option Dis wrong as Remote Help assists end-users with their own access, not admin accounts on SmartEndpoint (see page 425).

For typical local (On-Premises) deployments, the deployment scenario includes both the Agent (Initial Client) and Software Blades packages. The Initial Client ensures connectivity, and Software Blades provide the actual security functionalities.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"Typical local deployment scenarios include both the Initial Client and the Software Blades packages for comprehensive protection."

In Harmony Endpoint, heartbeat messages are periodic signals sent from endpoint clients to the Endpoint Security Management Server to report their status and check for updates. The default time interval for these messages is 60 seconds. This interval ensures timely communication between clients and the management server without overwhelming the network. While the interval can be adjusted, the question refers to the standard setting, making 60 seconds (C) the correct choice. 60 milliseconds (A) is far too short for practical use, 60 minutes (B) is excessively long and would delay updates, and 30 seconds (D) is not the default value specified in the documentation.

The Endpoint Client GUI in Check Point Harmony Endpoint provideseither automatic or manual promptingto protect removable storage media usage, depending on how the administrator configures the system. This functionality is part of the Media Encryption & Port Protection component, which allows flexible control over removable media such as USB drives. According to theCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 282, under the section "Working with Actions in a Media Encryption & Port Protection Rule," the documentation states:

"You can configure rules to automatically encrypt media or prompt users to encrypt or access media in a protected manner."

This extract confirms that administrators can set policies to either automatically apply encryption (automatic prompting) or require user interaction (manual prompting) when removable media is detected. For example, an automatic rule might encrypt a USB drive without user intervention, while a manual rule might display a prompt in the Endpoint Client GUI asking the user to confirm encryption or access permissions. This dual capability makesOption B ("Either automatic or manual")the correct answer.

Option A ("Manual Only")is incorrect because the system supports automatic prompting, not just manual.

Option C ("Automatic Only")is incorrect because manual prompting is also an available option.

Option D ("Neither automatic nor manual")is false, as the documentation clearly describes both methods.

Push Operationsallow the Endpoint Security Management Server to modify client settings, such as shutting down or restarting computers, without requiring a policy installation. This is detailed on page 69 under "Performing Push Operations," where the guide states that administrators can perform immediate actions like "Restart Computer" and "Shutdown Computer" on selected clients. Options like Remote Operations (A) and Node Management (B) are not documented features for this purpose, while Remote Help (C) is intended for user assistance, such as password recovery (page 425), not direct client modifications.

User Logon Pre-boot Remote Help is a troubleshooting feature in Harmony Endpoint designed to assist users locked out of Full Disk Encryption (FDE)-protected computers before the operating system boots. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfexplicitly outlines the types of assistance available.

Onpage 425, under "Remote Help," the documentation states:

"There are two types of Full Disk Encryption Remote Help:

One Time Login - One Time Login lets users access Remote Help using an assumed identity for one session, without resetting the password. Users who lose their Smart Cards must use this option.

Remote password change - This option is applicable for users with fixed passwords who are locked out."

This extract confirms that Pre-boot Remote Help providesbothOne-Time Logon and Remote Password Change, directly matchingOption B. These options address different scenarios: One-Time Logon for temporary access (e.g., lost Smart Cards) and Remote Password Change for resetting forgotten fixed passwords.

Option A("Only One-Time Logon") is incorrect as it excludes Remote Password Change, which is explicitly listed as a second type of help.

Option C("Cleartext Password") is not mentioned anywhere in the documentation and would be insecure, making it invalid.

Option D("Only Remote Password Change") omits One-Time Logon, which is also a supported assistance type, rendering it incomplete.

Option Bis the only choice that fully reflects the dual assistance types provided by User Logon Pre-boot Remote Help as per the official documentation.

The Endpoint Client provides end users with anoverview summary of the protections deployed on their machines and the status of each protection. On page 19, under "Endpoint Security Client," the guide describes it as an application that monitors security status and enforces policies, with components like Anti-Malware and Firewall listed on page 20, visible to users through the client interface. Option A is more relevant to administrators (page 63), Option C relates to forensic reports (page 346), and Option D pertains to network monitoring, not client-provided data.

According to Check Point documentation, the on-premises environment provides organizations with significantly greater control over product deployment and operation, including more extensive configuration options compared to a cloud-managed environment. Although this level of control is advantageous, it is also noted that it typically comes with higher support and maintenance costs.

Exact Extract from Official Document:

"On-premises environment offers more options for deployment, greater control over operations, but it is also more costly to support."