What is the ultimate goal of Network Defense?

The ultimate goal of Network Defense is to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of networked systems and data from unauthorized access and disruptions. This encompasses various aspects of cybersecurity, including preventing intrusions, mitigating risks from potential threats, and ensuring that the network operates smoothly without interference from malicious actors.

Defending against unauthorized access is critical in maintaining the security of sensitive information and ensuring that resources are only accessible to authorized users. Disruptions can come from various sources, including cyberattacks or accidental actions, and the objective is to maintain the continuous operation of systems and services while safeguarding data.

Other options, while relevant to network management, do not capture the overarching purpose of network defense as completely. For instance, improving network speed and performance, effectively managing user permissions, and establishing a backup system are all important facets of network administration and operation, but they do not directly address the fundamental aim of protecting the network from adversarial threats. Hence, the emphasis on defending against unauthorized access and disruptions aligns perfectly with the core objectives of Network Defense.