Which of the following can be considered a disadvantage of client-side processing?

Client-side processing refers to tasks that are carried out by a user's device rather than the server. One notable disadvantage of this approach is the increased risk of client-side vulnerabilities. When processing occurs on the client side, potentially sensitive data and application logic are exposed to the user's environment, which is often less secure than the server environment. This exposure can lead to various security risks, including the possibility of attacks such as cross-site scripting (XSS) or manipulation of the local data by malicious actors.

In contrast, server-side processing typically keeps sensitive data concealed and managed in a controlled environment, reducing the overall attack surface. The client-side approach, while it may improve responsiveness and reduce server load, can lead to significant security concerns due to the inherent vulnerabilities present in clients’ machines, such as outdated software, lack of proper security configurations, and user behaviors that can compromise security.

The other considerations, such as high server load, limited functionality, and reduced speed, relate to potential issues that might arise with server-side processing or in specific contexts but do not pertain directly to the core disadvantages of handling processes on the client side, thus making increased risk of client-side vulnerabilities the more accurate disadvantage in this scenario.