The defender's dilemma implies a defender must be prepared to defend which scope?

The defender's dilemma implies a defender must be prepared to defend which scope?

• A. External threats only
• B. A single point of attack
• C. Internal controls
• D. All points of attack

Answer: (D)

The defender’s dilemma is about protecting every way into a system, not just some. Attackers don’t need to find just one door; they can pick from many paths—external gateways, insider routes, or weaker internal links. Because defenders have to secure the entire attack surface, they must be prepared to defend all points of attack rather than focusing on external threats only, a single point, or internal controls in isolation. This broad readiness is why all points of attack is the best answer: any unprotected path can be exploited, so comprehensive, layered defenses and continuous monitoring are essential.

The defender’s dilemma is about protecting every way into a system, not just some. Attackers don’t need to find just one door; they can pick from many paths—external gateways, insider routes, or weaker internal links. Because defenders have to secure the entire attack surface, they must be prepared to defend all points of attack rather than focusing on external threats only, a single point, or internal controls in isolation. This broad readiness is why all points of attack is the best answer: any unprotected path can be exploited, so comprehensive, layered defenses and continuous monitoring are essential.