Which of the following is a disadvantage of networks?

• A. Security must be maintained
• B. Software applications shared
• C. Hardware cannot be shared
• D. Networks have no maintenance costs

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that when devices are connected in a network, protecting data and resources becomes a real, ongoing task. Because information travels across links and can be accessed by many users and devices, there are opportunities for unauthorized access, interception, or malware. Keeping a network secure requires authentication, authorization, encryption, firewalls, regular software updates, monitoring, and security policies. All of these are necessary but they add complexity, effort, and cost, which is why security maintenance is a disadvantage of using networks.

Think about the other statements: sharing software applications is a benefit of networks, since multiple users can access the same programs. Hardware sharing, like printers or servers, is another advantage. And saying there are no maintenance costs isn’t true in practice, as networks require ongoing upkeep.