12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 8: Cybersecurity Analyst

We have to weaken it,
the conclusion is Wifi is risky.

(A) some do some do not does not matter

(B) So what and also talking about public wifi but we are concerned about overall wifi which includes public as well as private

(C) not at all talking about wifi

(D) No of wifi users are more so no of cases of cybersecurity is also more hence weakening the support given to conclusion yes this could be our answer.

(E) we are not concerned about prices or expenses.
so D is best for answer.

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.
This does not weaken the argument because it only states that wired connections are still used for certain purposes. It doesn’t address whether Wi-Fi is riskier or explain the increase in cybersecurity incidents.

(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
This supports the argument by highlighting a vulnerability specific to how people use Wi-Fi. It reinforces the idea that Wi-Fi can be less secure, rather than weakening the argument.

(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.
This also supports the argument, as it points to a specific risk of Wi-Fi (unsecured networks) and aligns with the claim that Wi-Fi is less secure than wired connections.

(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.
While this provides context for the rise in cybersecurity incidents (more devices online), it doesn’t address whether Wi-Fi itself is less secure than wired connections. It shifts focus to increased internet usage but leaves the core comparison between Wi-Fi and wired security unchallenged.

(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks. CORRECT
This weakens the argument by showing that wired connections are not necessarily safer than Wi-Fi. If shared wired connections also expose devices to risks, it undermines the assumption that the increase in cybersecurity incidents is solely due to Wi-Fi's popularity.

Answer E

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.
This does not undermine the conclusion. While it acknowledges that some people use wired connections, it doesn’t address why the number of cybersecurity incidents has increased.
Eliminate (A).

(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
This supports the idea that Wi-Fi use might lead to more incidents due to poor security practices. It strengthens the concern about Wi-Fi risks rather than undermining it.
Eliminate (B).

(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.
This highlights a specific risk related to unsecured networks, which could include Wi-Fi. However, it doesn’t explain why the overall number of incidents has increased or why Wi-Fi may not be the primary cause. It’s neutral and does not directly undermine the argument.
Eliminate (C).

(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.
This undermines the argument. It suggests that the rise in cybersecurity incidents may not be due to Wi-Fi being inherently riskier than wired connections but rather because there are many more devices using Wi-Fi now than before. This increased usage naturally leads to more incidents, regardless of relative security levels.
Correct (D).

(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.
This highlights a potential vulnerability in wired connections but does not address the reason behind the increase in cybersecurity incidents or challenge the concern about Wi-Fi risks.
Eliminate (E).

Cybersecurity Analyst: In the past, most people used secure wired connections to access the internet, which provided reliable and controlled data flow. In the last decade, Wi-Fi has become popular; it allows for greater mobility but is generally considered less secure. The concern that Wi-Fi is riskier is supported by the fact that the number of cybersecurity incidents reported was much higher last year than it was ten years ago.

Which of the following, if true, most seriously undermines the force of the evidence cited?

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.
additional piece of information; doesn't affect the argument's basis


(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
That may be the reason for increased number of cybersecurity incidents; it just explains the argument; doesn't weaken the force of the evidence cited


(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.
explains the mode behind the majority of cybersecurity incidents ; doesn't affect the argument's basis


(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.
So, this prompt highlights that wider adoption of W-Fi technology has led to more number of cybersecurity incidents ---> Wi-Fi technology may not be 'riskier' --> so, it undermines the force of the evidence cited


(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.
higher cost of installation --> irrelevant to the argument



(D) is the CORRECT answer

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.

This does not weaken the argument because it neither explains the increase in cybersecurity incidents nor challenges the idea that Wi-Fi is riskier.
Irrelevant. Eliminate.
(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

This supports the argument by reinforcing that Wi-Fi users are more vulnerable due to poor cybersecurity practices.
Strengthens, not weakens. Eliminate.
(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.

This aligns with the argument by emphasizing the risks associated with unsecured networks, which are often Wi-Fi networks.
Strengthens, not weakens. Eliminate.
(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.

This weakens the argument by providing an alternative explanation for the increase in cybersecurity incidents: the sheer number of devices using Wi-Fi, rather than Wi-Fi being inherently riskier.
Strong contender. Keep.
(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.

This does not address the increase in cybersecurity incidents or provide an alternative explanation for the trend.
Irrelevant. Eliminate.

Ans D

Evidence : The number of cybersecurity incidents reported was much higher last year than it was ten years ago.

We want to weaken the fact that this evidence does not clearly support that wifi is riskier.

A - Some individuals still use wired connections. Others do not. Hence, doesn't affect the argument as strongly. ELIMINATE

B - If most people do not use advanced security, that means advanced security is required for wifi connections. Strengthens. ELIMINATE

C - How are the cybersecurity incidents is not our concern. We want to weaken the force of evidence that wifi connections are not less secure. ELIMINATE

D - This weakens the force of evidence. If wifi connections are more widely used than wired, it just provides more opportunities for attacks. If we have 100 wifi connections and 10 wired connections, and 50% is the attach rate, then 50 of wifi and 5 of wired will have attack. KEEP

E - The cost of installation or maintenance is not our concern. Moreover, more devices at risk does not mean only wifi devices. ELIMINATE

FINAL ANSWER - Option D

Eliminating options one by one to know the option that undermines the argument -

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions - This has nothing to do with wifi being riskier & increase in the number of cybersecurity incidents - ELIMINATE

(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks - This was the case before switching to wifi as well, this strengthens the argument - ELIMINATE

(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks - This is in line with the argument & doesn't undermine it - ELIMINATE

(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time - Increase in the number of devices connected to wifi gives a reason why it might not be that wifi is unsecure by increase in cybersecurity incidents but the overall usage has increased - CORRECT

(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks - This tells about wired connections & not wifi - ELIMINATE

The evidence mentions the conclusion that WIFI is riskier based on the fact that the number of complaints are higher last year over decade ago.But what if users are more now than a decade ago. In that case it undermines the logic.
D perfectly states this case. All other options are not directly targeting conclusions.

The statement that most seriously undermines the force of the evidence cited is:

(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.

This option suggests that the increase in cybersecurity incidents could be due to the sheer number of devices connected via Wi-Fi, rather than Wi-Fi itself being inherently less secure. This undermines the argument that Wi-Fi is riskier solely based on the increase in reported incidents.

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.

This statement does not directly undermine the argument. It simply acknowledges that some people still use wired connections for sensitive transactions, but it does not challenge the claim that Wi-Fi is generally riskier. It does not offer a strong reason to believe that the rise in cybersecurity incidents is unrelated to the increased use of Wi-Fi.
(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.

This is a strong contender. If most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on public Wi-Fi, the increased number of incidents could be attributed to poor security practices rather than the inherent insecurity of Wi-Fi. This undermines the argument that Wi-Fi itself is the primary cause of the rise in incidents because the root cause could be the lack of proper security measures rather than the technology itself.
(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.

This statement supports the idea that unsecured networks (including Wi-Fi) are a significant vector for cybersecurity incidents. It does not weaken the argument but rather reinforces the claim that Wi-Fi may be more vulnerable than wired connections. Thus, it does not undermine the evidence.
(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.

This supports the argument, as it suggests that the increase in cybersecurity incidents could be due to the sheer increase in the number of Wi-Fi-connected devices, even if individual Wi-Fi networks are not more insecure than wired networks. This does not undermine the argument; rather, it could strengthen the idea that the rise in incidents is due to the growing adoption of Wi-Fi.
(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.

This option does not directly address the security of Wi-Fi versus wired connections. It suggests that wired connections could have their own risks due to shared access, but this doesn't directly undermine the claim that Wi-Fi is more insecure. It doesn't strongly weaken the evidence in the argument.
Conclusion:
The option that most seriously undermines the evidence is (B): "Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks." This suggests that the rise in cybersecurity incidents could be due to poor security practices, rather than the inherent risk of Wi-Fi itself, weakening the claim that Wi-Fi is the primary cause of the increase in incidents.

Thus, the correct answer is (B).

(A) Some individuals and businesses still rely on wired connections for sensitive transactions.
This highlights how wired connections are used but does not challenge the argument. The focus is on comparing the risks of Wi-Fi and wired connections, not on whether wired connections are still in use.

(B) Most people fail to use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices when connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
This supports the argument by reinforcing the idea that Wi-Fi is less secure, rather than challenging it.

(C) A large proportion of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.
This aligns with the argument’s claim about the risks of Wi-Fi, as it highlights how cybersecurity issues are linked to network security.

(D) Wi-Fi technology has become far more widespread than wired technology, leading to a significant increase in the number of devices connected to the internet.
This weakens the argument by offering an alternative explanation for the rise in cybersecurity incidents. The increase in incidents could result from the higher number of devices online, rather than from Wi-Fi being inherently riskier.

(E) Wired connections are more costly to set up and maintain, causing many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.
While this points out potential risks with wired connections, it does not address the link between the rise in cybersecurity incidents and the adoption of Wi-Fi, leaving the argument intact.

Ans- D

A: Just because some of the individuals and businesses are still using the wired connection, it does not imply that wired connection is more secure. Rejected
B: This point specifically talk about the public Wi-Fi Network. But the paragraph talk about security on Wi-Fi in general. Rejected.
C: This does undermine the evidence because it suggests that most incidents are due to unsecured networks in general, not necessarily Wi-Fi. This undermines the claim that the increase in cybersecurity incidents is specifically due to the rise of Wi-Fi, as unsecured networks (which could also include wired ones, depending on how they are set up) are a more general issue.
D: Again, just because number of devices connected are more, this cannot undermine the possible risk of Wifi. Rejected
E: It doesn’t explain the rise in cybersecurity incidents or challenge the claim that Wi-Fi is less secure. Rejected

Conclusion- Wi-Fi is riskier
Support- the number of cybersecurity incidents reported was much higher last year than it was ten years ago.

Requirement Weaken the force of evidence

Pre thinking- Show that actually number of incidents does not indicate high risk but something else is reason for incident increase maybe more people now use wifi than earlier used wired connection or maybe now people report more than earlier.
If earlier 100 use 10 reported issue
Now 1000 use 90 issue

90>10 (But actually wifi is better as % wise that has less risk to number of users)

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.- information on who uses wired connection does not help weaken. Incorrect

(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.- No information that if most people used advanced cybersecurity would that mean less incidents... So Incorrect.

(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.- Irrelevant- Incorrect

(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.= Key word is significantly. So number of users of Wi Fi are significantly more than wired one (1000 vs 100) so increase of significant number of incidents (10 to 90) may not be correct to conclude that wifi riskier. Correct

(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.- Incorrect

A. Incorrect answer. Irrelevant.
B. Incorrect answer. Using advanced cybersecurity is also irrelevant.
C. Incorrect answer. This essentially says that data transmitted over unsecured networks is intercepted.
D. Correct. Because of the increase in the number of devices, the number of cybersecurity incidents reported must've been higher.
E. Incorrect answer. Cost of the installation and maintenance is out of scope.

This is a weaken question.
The focus of this question is weaken the evidence. i.e. WiFi risker => the number of cybersecurity incident higher
We need to look at alternative reason that lead to the number of cybersecurity incident higher

(A) Using wired connections for sensitive transactions does not directly weaken the evidence (x)
(B) Do not use advanced cybersecurity software is an alternative reason lead to increase in cybersecurity incident (v)
(C) Involve data transmission over unsecured network such has Wi-Fi strengthen the argument (x)
(D) Increase the number of device => may increase the number of using Wi-Fi, it may strengthen the argument (x)
(E) Share connection may involve using of Wi-Fi, so it is not weaken the argument (x)

Therefore the answer is B

Ask : Undermine the evidence that more cyber security incidents are reported due to riskier nature of wifi - ie to prove that wifi is reliable

Options :

A - Does not undermine the incidents
B - Lack of advanced software is the reason of incidents
C - Irrelevant and doesn't undermine the evidence
D - Does not undermine the argument by mentioning more devices are connected
E - Does not explain why wifi is reliable

OPTION B

(A) Some individuals and businesses still use wired connections for sensitive transactions.
This provides some context about the usage of wired connections, but it does not challenge the relationship between the increase in cybersecurity incidents and the adoption of Wi-Fi. It does not weaken the argument

(B) Most people do not use advanced cybersecurity software on their devices while connected to public Wi-Fi networks.
While this highlights a specific risk about public Wi-Fi, it does not challenge the comparison between Wi-Fi and wired connections. It does not weaken the argument

(C) The majority of cybersecurity incidents involve the interception of data transmitted over unsecured networks.
This strengthens the argument by implying that unsecured networks are a major source of risk. It supports the notion that Wi-Fi contributes to the rise in cybersecurity incidents. It does not weaken the argument

(D) Wi-Fi technology has been adopted much more widely than wired technology, significantly increasing the number of devices connected to the internet at any given time.
It provides an alternative explanation for the increase in cybersecurity incidents- the sheer number of devices connected to the internet, rather than the inherent insecurity of Wi-Fi. If more devices are online, the probability of incidents increases, irrespective of the connection type. It weakens the argument

(E) Wired connections are more expensive to install and maintain, leading many users to share connections and potentially expose more devices to risks.
While this suggests that wired connections are not risk-free, it does not directly address the increase in cybersecurity incidents or challenge the comparison between Wi-Fi and wired connections. It does not weaken the argument