- (Exam Topic 1)
A new plug-and-play storage device was installed on a PC in the corporate environment. Which of the following safeguards will BEST help to protect the PC from malicious files on the storage device?
Correct Answer:
A
The best option that will help to protect the PC from malicious files on the storage device would be A. Change the default settings on the PC. Changing the default settings on the PC can include disabling the autorun or autoplay feature, which can prevent malicious files from executing automatically when the storage device is plugged in. Changing the default settings can also include enabling antivirus software, updating the operating system and applications, and configuring user account control and permissions.
- (Exam Topic 2)
During the onboarding process, an employee needs to create a password for an intranet account. The password must include ten characters, numbers, and letters, and two special characters. Once the password is created, the ‘company will grant the employee access to other company-owned websites based on the intranet profile. Which of the following access management concepts is the company most likely using to safeguard intranet accounts and grant access to multiple sites based on a user's intranet account? (Select two).
Correct Answer:
AF
Federation is an access management concept that allows users to authenticate once and access multiple applications or services that trust the same identity provider. Open authentication is a standard protocol that enables federation by allowing users to use their existing credentials from one service to access another service. The company is most likely using federation and open authentication to safeguard intranet accounts and grant access to multiple sites based on a user’s intranet account. For example, the company could use an identity provider such as Azure AD or Keycloak to manage the user identities and credentials for the intranet account, and then use open authentication to allow the users to access other company-owned websites without having to log in again. References:
https://www.keycloak.org/ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/active-directory/hybrid/connect/whatis-fed
- (Exam Topic 2)
Which of the following would most likely include language prohibiting end users from accessing personal email from a company device?
Correct Answer:
D
AUP or Acceptable Use Policy is a document that defines the rules and guidelines for using a company’s IT resources, such as devices, networks, internet, email, etc. It usually includes language prohibiting end users from accessing personal email from a company device, as well as other activities that may compromise security or productivity1.
https://www.thesecuritybuddy.com/governance-risk-and-compliance/what-are-sla-mou-bpa-and-nda/ 3:
https://www.professormesser.com/security-plus/sy0-501/agreement-types/ 1: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/2471/acceptable-use-policy-aup
- (Exam Topic 2)
An organization needs to implement more stringent controls over administrator/root credentials and service accounts. Requirements for the project include:
* Check-in/checkout of credentials
* The ability to use but not know the password
* Automated password changes
* Logging of access to credentials
Which of the following solutions would meet the requirements?
Correct Answer:
C
A privileged access management (PAM) system is a solution that helps protect organizations against cyberthreats by monitoring, detecting, and preventing unauthorized privileged access to critical resources12. A PAM system can meet the requirements of the project by providing features such as:
Check-in/checkout of credentials: A PAM system can store and manage privileged credentials in a secure vault, and allow authorized users to check out credentials when needed and check them back in when done. This reduces the risk of credential theft, misuse, or sharin2g3.
The ability to use but not know the password: A PAM system can enable users to access privileged accounts or resources without revealing the actual password, using methods such as password injection, session proxy, or single sign-on23. This prevents users from copying, changing, or sharing password2s. Automated password changes: A PAM system can automatically rotate and update passwords for privileged accounts according to predefined policies, such as frequency, complexity, and uniqueness23
. This ensures that passwords are always strong and unpredictable, and reduces the risk of password
reuse or compromise2. Logging of access to credentials: A PAM system can record and audit all activities related to privileged access, such as who accessed what credentials, when, why, and what they did with them23. This provides visibility and accountability for privileged access, and enables detection and investigation of anomalies or incidents2.
A PAM system is different from OAuth 2.0, which is an authorization framework that enables third-party applications to obtain limited access to an HTTP service on behalf of a resource owner4. OAuth 2.0 does not provide the same level of control and security over privileged access as a PAM system does.
A PAM system is also different from a secure enclave, which is a hardware-based security feature that creates an isolated execution environment within a processor to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access or modification5. A secure enclave does not provide the same functionality as a PAM system for managing privileged credentials and access.
A PAM system is also different from an OpenID Connect authentication system, which is an identity layer on top of OAuth 2.0 that enables users to verify their identity across multiple websites using a single login6. OpenID Connect does not provide the same scope and granularity as a PAM system for controlling and monitoring privileged access.
- (Exam Topic 2)
A security administrator is using UDP port 514 to send a syslog through an unsecure network to the SIEM server. Which of the following is the best way for the administrator to improve the process?
Correct Answer:
D
SSL/TLS encryption is a method of securing the syslog traffic by using cryptographic protocols to encrypt and authenticate the data. SSL/TLS encryption can prevent eavesdropping, tampering, or spoofing of the syslog messages. TCP 6514 is the standard port for syslog over TLS, as defined by RFC 5425. Using this port can ensure compatibility and interoperability with other syslog implementations that support TLS.
