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Mission critical Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Understanding Critical Systems: Mission, Safety, and Real-Time

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Understanding Critical Systems: Mission, Safety, and Real-Time Study Guide

Defining Mission Critical Systems

A mission critical factor is defined as any component essential for organizational functions, and its failure has minor consequences.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mission critical factors are defined as essential components whose failure results in severe consequences, directly impacting vital organizational or governmental functions.

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Mission critical systems are defined by the potential for minor disruptions to a single organization.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mission critical systems are defined by their essential nature and the potential for severe consequences, including societal impact, not minor disruptions.

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Mission critical systems are only relevant in the context of computing and technology.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mission critical systems are relevant across various organizational functions and sectors, extending beyond purely computing and technology contexts.

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A mission critical system's failure can lead to social turmoil or catastrophes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The failure of mission critical systems can indeed have widespread societal repercussions, including social unrest and catastrophic events.

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Mission critical applications are sometimes referred to as mission essential equipment.

Answer: True

Explanation: The terms 'mission critical applications' and 'mission essential equipment' are often used interchangeably with 'mission critical systems' to denote their indispensable nature.

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Amazon losing $1,100 per second during an outage exemplifies minor financial impacts of system downtime.

Answer: False

Explanation: An outage causing losses of $1,100 per second, as exemplified by Amazon, represents a significant financial impact, not a minor one.

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Mission critical systems are defined by their ability to process information within strict time constraints.

Answer: False

Explanation: The defining characteristic of mission critical systems is the severity of operational consequences upon failure, not adherence to strict time constraints, which is characteristic of real-time systems.

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A mission critical system's failure is characterized by a failure to meet specific time deadlines.

Answer: False

Explanation: The failure of a mission critical system is characterized by severe operational consequences, distinct from the deadline misses that define real-time system failures.

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Mission critical systems are defined by the potential for serious environmental damage upon failure.

Answer: False

Explanation: The potential for serious environmental damage upon failure is the defining characteristic of safety critical systems, not mission critical systems.

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Mission critical systems are essential for the survival of a business or organization.

Answer: True

Explanation: The definition of mission critical systems emphasizes their indispensability for the continued survival and operation of a business or organization.

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What is the core definition of a 'mission critical' factor?

Answer: Any component, equipment, personnel, process, or software essential for organizational functions, failure of which has severe consequences.

Explanation: A mission critical factor is defined as any component, equipment, personnel, process, or software that is essential for the operation of business, organizational, or governmental functions, the failure of which can have severe consequences.

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Which of the following is a potential consequence of mission critical factor failure?

Answer: Social turmoil and catastrophes.

Explanation: Potential consequences of mission critical factor failure range from significant operational disruptions to severe societal impacts like social turmoil and catastrophes.

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What financial impact does the source cite for mission-critical system outages, using Google as an example?

Answer: A loss of over $545,000 from a brief outage.

Explanation: The source cites that Google experienced losses exceeding $545,000 from a brief outage, illustrating the substantial financial implications of mission-critical system downtime.

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What is the primary risk associated with mission critical systems failing in sectors like banking or air traffic control?

Answer: Significant disruption to essential services and operations.

Explanation: The primary risk associated with mission critical system failures in sectors like banking or air traffic control is significant disruption to essential services and operations.

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Classifying Critical Systems (Mission, Business, Safety, Security)

Mission critical systems are solely defined by their impact on business operations, excluding potential loss of life.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mission critical systems are defined by their potential for severe consequences, which can include loss of life or injury, not solely by business operational impact.

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A safety critical system's failure primarily results in the inability to achieve a specific organizational goal.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary result of a safety critical system's failure is typically environmental damage, injury, or loss of life, rather than simply the inability to achieve an organizational goal.

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A security critical system failure primarily leads to the loss of sensitive data.

Answer: True

Explanation: The failure of a security critical system typically results in the compromise of data confidentiality and integrity, such as the loss or theft of sensitive information.

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Business critical systems, unlike mission critical systems, can cause loss of life if they fail.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mission critical and safety critical systems are those whose failure can lead to loss of life or injury; business critical systems typically impact a single organization's operations.

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Business critical systems, when failing, can have severe impacts on society, including potential loss of life.

Answer: False

Explanation: Severe societal impacts, including loss of life, are characteristic of mission critical or safety critical system failures, not typically business critical systems.

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The failure of a security critical system can lead to the loss of sensitive data.

Answer: True

Explanation: A primary consequence of a security critical system failure is the potential loss or compromise of sensitive data.

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How does a mission critical system differ from a business critical system?

Answer: Mission critical systems' failure can lead to loss of life or injury; business critical systems' failure is typically limited to a single organization.

Explanation: The primary distinction lies in the severity of consequences: mission critical systems failure can lead to loss of life or injury, whereas business critical system failures are typically confined to a single organization.

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What is the primary failure outcome associated with a safety critical system?

Answer: Serious environmental damage, injury, or loss of life.

Explanation: The primary failure outcome of a safety critical system involves serious environmental damage, injury, or loss of life.

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What is the consequence of a failure in a security critical system?

Answer: Loss of sensitive data through theft or accidental loss.

Explanation: The consequence of a security critical system failure is typically the loss of sensitive data through theft or accidental loss.

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What is the key difference in failure implications between mission critical and business critical systems?

Answer: Mission critical failures can lead to loss of life; business critical failures typically affect only a single organization temporarily.

Explanation: The key difference is that mission critical system failures can lead to loss of life, whereas business critical system failures typically affect only a single organization temporarily.

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Real-Time Systems: Types and Characteristics

Real-time computing and mission critical systems are identical concepts, both defined by operational consequences.

Answer: False

Explanation: While related, real-time computing is defined by adherence to strict timing deadlines, whereas mission critical systems are defined by the severity of operational consequences resulting from failure.

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Soft real-time systems require meeting timing deadlines without fail, similar to hard real-time systems.

Answer: False

Explanation: Soft real-time systems are characterized by flexible deadlines; missing a deadline may degrade performance but does not constitute a critical failure, unlike hard real-time systems.

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Hard real-time systems can tolerate missed deadlines if performance is generally maintained.

Answer: False

Explanation: Hard real-time systems require strict adherence to deadlines; any missed deadline constitutes a critical error and cannot be tolerated.

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A hard real-time system's failure is defined by degraded performance rather than a missed deadline.

Answer: False

Explanation: The failure of a hard real-time system is precisely defined by the occurrence of a missed deadline, not by degraded performance.

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Non real-time systems operate under strict deadlines for their operations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Non real-time systems are characterized by the absence of strict or absolute deadlines for their operations, although overall performance remains important.

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Video games are an example of hard real-time systems because they require rapid graphics rendering.

Answer: False

Explanation: Video games are typically considered soft real-time systems, as occasional frame drops or minor delays, while undesirable, do not constitute a critical system failure.

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Soft real-time systems are characterized by strict timing deadlines where any missed deadline is a critical error.

Answer: False

Explanation: Soft real-time systems feature flexible deadlines; missing them results in performance degradation rather than a critical error.

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Which of the following best describes the difference between real-time and mission critical systems?

Answer: Real-time systems fail if deadlines are missed; mission critical systems fail based on severe operational impact.

Explanation: Real-time systems are defined by their adherence to deadlines, failing when deadlines are missed, whereas mission critical systems are defined by the severe operational consequences of their failure.

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What characterizes a 'hard real-time system'?

Answer: Missing a deadline is considered a critical error with potentially serious consequences.

Explanation: A hard real-time system is characterized by strict deadlines, where any missed deadline constitutes a critical error with potentially severe consequences.

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How does a soft real-time system differ from a hard real-time system?

Answer: Soft real-time systems have flexible deadlines; missing them degrades performance but isn't a critical error.

Explanation: Soft real-time systems have flexible deadlines where missed deadlines degrade performance, whereas hard real-time systems consider missed deadlines critical errors.

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What defines a 'non real-time system' according to the source?

Answer: Systems that do not have strict or absolute deadlines for operations.

Explanation: A non real-time system is defined by its lack of strict or absolute deadlines for operations.

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What is the critical factor that defines a mission critical system's failure, as opposed to a real-time system's failure?

Answer: The severity of the operational consequences.

Explanation: The critical factor distinguishing mission critical system failure is the severity of operational consequences, whereas real-time system failure is defined by missed deadlines.

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What is the fundamental difference in failure definition between a real-time system and a mission critical system?

Answer: Mission critical systems fail due to operational impact; real-time systems fail due to missed deadlines.

Explanation: Mission critical systems fail based on severe operational impact, while real-time systems fail due to missed deadlines.

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Which of the following is an example of a 'soft real-time system' characteristic?

Answer: Deadlines are flexible, and missed deadlines only degrade performance.

Explanation: A characteristic of soft real-time systems is that deadlines are flexible, and missing them only degrades performance, rather than causing critical failure.

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Evolution of Critical Systems Across Eras

The pre-Web era (before 1995) saw mission critical computing primarily focused on consumer-facing web applications.

Answer: False

Explanation: Prior to the widespread adoption of the internet, mission critical computing was predominantly focused on transactional applications within data centers, such as ERP systems and airline reservations.

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The consumerization era (2010 onwards) saw mission critical systems primarily focus on industrial control systems.

Answer: False

Explanation: The consumerization era has seen mission critical systems expand to encompass social, mobile, and customer-facing applications, driven by increased consumer IT adoption.

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The number of global web users increased from 16 million to 1.7 billion between 1995 and 2010.

Answer: True

Explanation: This statistic illustrates the significant growth in internet adoption during the Web era, highlighting the increasing reliance on web-based systems.

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The Web era (1995-2010) saw mission critical systems expand to include social media platforms.

Answer: True

Explanation: During the Web era (1995-2010), mission critical systems expanded to include web applications, which encompass platforms like social media.

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Mission critical systems have evolved to include social, mobile, and customer-facing applications in the consumerization era.

Answer: True

Explanation: The consumerization era has indeed seen mission critical systems expand to encompass social, mobile, and customer-facing applications, reflecting evolving technological landscapes and user expectations.

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How did mission critical computing evolve in the Web era (1995-2010)?

Answer: It expanded to include electronic devices and web applications due to increased internet usage.

Explanation: The Web era saw mission critical computing expand beyond traditional transactional applications to include electronic devices and web applications, driven by increased internet accessibility.

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What is the key characteristic of the consumerization era (2010 onwards) regarding mission critical systems?

Answer: An expansion to include social, mobile, and customer-facing applications.

Explanation: The consumerization era is characterized by the expansion of mission critical systems to include social, mobile, and customer-facing applications.

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What is the significance of the statistic showing 1.7 billion global web users in 2010?

Answer: It illustrated the growing reliance on web systems during the Web era.

Explanation: The statistic of 1.7 billion global web users in 2010 illustrates the growing reliance on web systems during that era.

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How did the scope of mission critical systems evolve from the pre-Web era to the Web era (1995-2010)?

Answer: It expanded to include electronic devices and web applications.

Explanation: From the pre-Web era to the Web era, mission critical systems evolved to encompass electronic devices and web applications, expanding their reach beyond traditional transactional systems.

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Applications and Examples of Critical Systems

Online banking systems and aircraft operating systems are examples of mission critical systems.

Answer: True

Explanation: Online banking and aircraft operating systems are frequently cited as examples of mission critical systems due to the severe impact their failure would have on operations and public safety.

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A gas system failure in a bakery would likely only cause a minor inconvenience.

Answer: False

Explanation: A gas system failure in a bakery is considered mission critical, as it would necessitate a complete shutdown of operations until repairs are made.

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A spacecraft's navigational system is a good example of a mission critical system due to potential financial loss.

Answer: True

Explanation: A spacecraft's navigational system is a prime example of a mission critical system, primarily due to the potential for loss of life, severe injury, and significant financial loss upon failure.

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Flight computers primarily assist pilots by managing air traffic control communications.

Answer: False

Explanation: Flight computers primarily assist pilots with navigation by calculating time and distance to checkpoints, rather than managing air traffic control communications.

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Nuclear reactors are considered mission critical due to the potential for catastrophic disasters involving radioactive materials.

Answer: True

Explanation: The potential for catastrophic events involving radioactive materials makes nuclear reactors a critical example of mission critical systems.

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Dead reckoning is a modern method used for air navigation that relies on GPS data.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dead reckoning is an older method of air navigation that relies on calculations of distance and time from known positions, distinct from GPS which provides direct positional data.

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A water filtration system malfunction for a water filtration company is not considered mission critical.

Answer: False

Explanation: A malfunction in a water filtration system for a company whose core business is water filtration is indeed mission critical, as it halts the company's primary operations.

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The primary function of a nuclear reactor is to manage air traffic control.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary function of a nuclear reactor is to control and contain a sustained nuclear chain reaction, not to manage air traffic control.

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A two-way radio system malfunction during flight is considered mission critical only if it leads to a loss of situational awareness.

Answer: True

Explanation: The criticality of a two-way radio system malfunction during flight is contingent on its impact; it becomes mission critical if it results in a loss of situational awareness for the flight crew.

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Food production and distribution are considered mission critical for societal preservation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ensuring the availability of food production and distribution is fundamental for societal preservation, classifying these as mission critical functions.

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Nuclear power plants use safety injection control systems to manage chain reactions by adjusting water levels.

Answer: False

Explanation: While water levels and adjuster rods control nuclear chain reactions, safety injection control systems inject liquid to halt the reaction, rather than managing it via water level adjustments.

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A navigational system for a spacecraft is considered mission critical primarily due to potential financial loss.

Answer: False

Explanation: While financial loss is a factor, the primary reason a spacecraft's navigational system is mission critical is the potential for loss of life and severe injury.

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Nuclear chain reactions are controlled by adjusting the water level and manipulating adjuster rods.

Answer: True

Explanation: Nuclear chain reactions are managed through precise control mechanisms, including adjusting water levels and manipulating adjuster rods within the reactor core.

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According to the source, which is NOT an example of a mission critical system?

Answer: Basic word processing software for personal use

Explanation: Basic word processing software for personal use is not considered mission critical, unlike systems such as online banking, aircraft operations, or power grids.

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Why are food production and sanitation considered mission critical for society?

Answer: They ensure the basic needs for the preservation and function of society.

Explanation: Food production and sanitation are considered mission critical because they fulfill fundamental societal needs essential for preservation and stability.

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Which of the following is identified as a mission critical system in the source?

Answer: A nuclear reactor's control system.

Explanation: A nuclear reactor's control system is identified as a mission critical system due to the catastrophic potential of its failure.

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What is the primary function of a nuclear reactor mentioned in the text?

Answer: To control and contain a sustained nuclear chain reaction.

Explanation: The primary function of a nuclear reactor is to control and contain a sustained nuclear chain reaction.

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How are nuclear chain reactions controlled within a reactor according to the source?

Answer: By manipulating adjuster rods and adjusting water levels.

Explanation: Nuclear chain reactions are controlled by adjusting water levels and manipulating adjuster rods within the reactor.

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What is the main reason nuclear reactors are a concern for public safety?

Answer: The potential for catastrophic disasters releasing radioactive materials.

Explanation: Nuclear reactors are a concern for public safety due to the potential for catastrophic disasters that could release radioactive materials.

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Which method of air navigation involves visual checkpoints and calculations of distance and time?

Answer: Dead reckoning

Explanation: Dead reckoning is the method of air navigation that relies on visual checkpoints and calculations of distance and time.

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Which of the following is cited as a prime example of a mission critical system due to extreme stakes?

Answer: A spacecraft's navigational system.

Explanation: A spacecraft's navigational system is cited as a prime example of a mission critical system due to the extreme stakes involved, including potential loss of life.

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What are the two primary types of shutdown systems mentioned for nuclear power plants?

Answer: Rod control shutdown systems and safety injection control systems.

Explanation: The two primary types of shutdown systems mentioned for nuclear power plants are rod control shutdown systems and safety injection control systems.

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What is the potential impact of a gas system failure for a restaurant or bakery?

Answer: A mandatory shutdown until the system is repaired.

Explanation: A gas system failure for a restaurant or bakery would necessitate a mandatory shutdown until the system is repaired, impacting operations.

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What is the implication if a two-way radio communication system malfunctions during flight, according to the source?

Answer: It could become mission critical if it leads to a loss of situational awareness.

Explanation: A malfunction in a two-way radio system during flight could become mission critical if it leads to a loss of situational awareness for the pilots.

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Which of the following systems is mentioned as being mission critical due to heavy reliance on communication and computer systems?

Answer: Stock exchanges.

Explanation: Stock exchanges are mentioned as mission critical systems due to their heavy reliance on communication and computer systems for operation.

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System Resilience, Security, and Planning

During crisis management triage, mission critical components should be prioritized for elimination if resources are constrained.

Answer: False

Explanation: During crisis management, mission critical components must be protected and prioritized, not eliminated or delayed due to resource constraints.

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Transport Layer Security (TLS) is used to encrypt communication between machines for securing online transactions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol designed to authenticate and encrypt communications between machines, thereby securing sensitive online transactions.

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Analyzing dependency networks in complex systems helps identify 'choke points' vulnerable to failure.

Answer: True

Explanation: Analyzing dependency networks is a crucial practice for understanding system interconnections and identifying 'choke points'—elements particularly susceptible to failure or disruption.

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Maintaining high security levels is considered crucial for mission critical systems to prevent failures.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robust security measures are paramount for mission critical systems to mitigate risks and prevent failures caused by external threats or internal vulnerabilities.

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Mission critical systems planning is unaffected by the timescale considered.

Answer: False

Explanation: Planning for mission critical systems is significantly influenced by the timescale, with distinct requirements for short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies.

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TLS requires a web server to have a digital certificate and public/private cryptographic keys.

Answer: True

Explanation: Implementing Transport Layer Security (TLS) necessitates a web server possessing a valid digital certificate and associated public/private cryptographic keys for secure communication.

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What principle applies to mission critical components during crisis management triage?

Answer: They must be protected and not be among components delayed or eliminated due to resource constraints.

Explanation: During crisis management, mission critical components must be protected and prioritized, ensuring they are not among those delayed or eliminated due to resource constraints.

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What is the role of Transport Layer Security (TLS)?

Answer: To encrypt communication between machines and secure online transactions.

Explanation: Transport Layer Security (TLS) plays a vital role in securing online transactions by managing client and server authentication and encrypting communication between machines.

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What is the purpose of analyzing dependency networks within complex mission-critical systems?

Answer: To identify potential vulnerabilities or 'choke points'.

Explanation: Analyzing dependency networks within complex systems serves to identify potential vulnerabilities or 'choke points' that could lead to failure.

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What is the primary purpose of TLS in securing online transactions like those on PayPal?

Answer: To manage client and server authentication and encrypt communication.

Explanation: The primary purpose of TLS in securing online transactions is to manage client and server authentication and encrypt communication between machines.

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Why is maintaining high security levels crucial for mission critical systems?

Answer: To prevent failures and disruptions from threats.

Explanation: Maintaining high security levels is crucial for mission critical systems to prevent failures and disruptions caused by threats.

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What are 'choke points' in the context of complex mission-critical systems?

Answer: Elements within the system that are particularly vulnerable to failure or disruption.

Explanation: 'Choke points' in complex mission-critical systems refer to elements that are particularly vulnerable to failure or disruption.

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How does the timescale influence planning for mission-critical systems?

Answer: Short-term, medium-term, and long-term planning requirements differ significantly.

Explanation: The timescale significantly influences planning for mission-critical systems, as short-term, medium-term, and long-term requirements differ considerably.

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What technical requirement is necessary for a web server to implement Transport Layer Security (TLS)?

Answer: A digital certificate and cryptographic keys.

Explanation: A web server requires a digital certificate and public/private cryptographic keys to implement Transport Layer Security (TLS).

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Personnel Considerations in Critical Systems

Psychometrics is used to assess the physical capabilities of mission-critical personnel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Psychometrics is employed to evaluate the psychological attributes of personnel, such as cognitive abilities and suitability for demanding roles, not their physical capabilities.

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Physical standards are irrelevant for mission-critical personnel in any context.

Answer: False

Explanation: Physical standards are highly relevant for certain mission-critical personnel, ensuring they possess necessary capabilities or dexterity for roles such as in military operations or surgery.

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Gantt charts are tools used for assessing the psychological attributes of mission-critical personnel.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gantt charts are project management tools used for scheduling and tracking tasks, not for assessing psychological attributes.

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How can psychometrics be applied to mission-critical personnel?

Answer: To assess their psychological attributes, like IQ or suitability for demanding roles.

Explanation: Psychometrics can be applied to assess the psychological attributes of mission-critical personnel, such as their intelligence quotient (IQ) or suitability for demanding roles.

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What role do physical standards play for certain mission-critical personnel?

Answer: They ensure specific physical capabilities or dexterity are met, like in military or surgery roles.

Explanation: Physical standards play a role in ensuring that mission-critical personnel meet specific physical capabilities or dexterity requirements for their roles.

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