Computer name from remote file or a configuration server?

[networkloser]

I am re-learning networking after graduation in IT via various books. One of them is Douglas Comer's internetworking with tcp ip book.

Here's the question

Would you prefer to use a computer that obtained its name from a remote file or from a configuration server? Why?

I don't understand the question properly. Can you help me with it?

[deanwebb]

From a configuration server, as that likely is done securely. Or, rather, it could be done *more* securely than from a remote text file. That remote text file could be altered by someone else and I not be aware of it as I provision my computer. But the configuration server potentially keeps that information securely, tracks changes, and requires secure connections for provisioning new computers.

[networkloser]

ok.

[icecream-guy]

From a configuration server, as that likely is done securely. Or, rather, it could be done *more* securely than from a remote text file. That remote text file could be altered by someone else and I not be aware of it as I provision my computer. But the configuration server potentially keeps that information securely, tracks changes, and requires secure connections for provisioning new computers.

..and what if that configuration server is taken over by a bad actor?

[deanwebb]

From a configuration server, as that likely is done securely. Or, rather, it could be done *more* securely than from a remote text file. That remote text file could be altered by someone else and I not be aware of it as I provision my computer. But the configuration server potentially keeps that information securely, tracks changes, and requires secure connections for provisioning new computers.

..and what if that configuration server is taken over by a bad actor?

It will likely be *after* the flat file is taken over by a bad actor. 

This is why security works best in layers and not "we have a tool that does that already, no need for another".