Pre-boot protection in Check Point Harmony Endpoint requires usersto authenticate before the computer's operating system (OS) starts. This ensures that the system remains secure before the OS loads, preventing unauthorized access to encrypted data. TheCP_R81.20_Harmony_Endpoint_Server_AdminGuide.pdfonpage 223, under "Authentication before the Operating System Loads (Pre-boot)," explains:

"only authorized users are given access to information stored on desktops and laptops" by requiring authentication before the OS loads.

This pre-boot authentication process typically involves entering a password, using a smart card, or providing a token response in a pre-boot environment displayed by the Endpoint Client before the Windows or other OS boot sequence begins. This aligns withOption C ("To authenticate before the computer's OS starts").

Option A ("To authenticate before the computer will start")is misleading; the computer powers on and starts its hardware initialization, but the OS does not load until authentication occurs. "Before the computer will start" implies the hardware itself won’t power on, which is inaccurate.

Option B ("To answer a security question after login")is incorrect because pre-boot protection occurs before the OS login, not after.

Option D ("To regularly change passwords")relates to password policy (covered on page 264 under "Password Complexity and Security"), not the immediate requirement of pre-boot protection.