Matias, a network security administrator at an organization, was tasked with the implementation of secure wireless network encryption for their network. For this purpose, Matias employed a security solution that uses 256-bit Galois/Counter Mode Protocol (GCMP-256) to maintain the authenticity and confidentiality of data.
Identify the type of wireless encryption used by the security solution employed by Matias in the above scenario.
Answer : B
WPA3 encryption is the type of wireless encryption used by the security solution employed by Matias in the above scenario. WPA3 encryption is the latest and most secure version of Wi-Fi Protected Access, a protocol that provides authentication and encryption for wireless networks. WPA3 encryption uses 256-bit Galois/Counter Mode Protocol (GCMP-256) to maintain the authenticity and confidentiality of data. WPA3 encryption also provides enhanced protection against offline dictionary attacks, forward secrecy, and secure public Wi-Fi access . WPA2 encryption is the previous version of Wi-Fi Protected Access, which uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP) for data encryption. WEP encryption is an outdated and insecure version of Wi-Fi security, which uses RC4 stream cipher for data encryption. WPA encryption is an intermediate version of Wi-Fi security, which uses TKIP for data encryption.
You are the Lead Cybersecurity Specialist at GlobalTech, a multinational tech conglomerate renowned for its avant-garde technological solutions in the aerospace and defense sector. The organization's reputation stands on the innovative technologies it pioneers, many of which are nation's top secrets.
Late on a Sunday night, you are alerted about suspicious activities on a server holding the schematics and project details for a groundbreaking missile defense system. The indicators suggest a complex, multi-stage cyberattack that managed to bypass traditional security measures. Preliminary investigations reveal that the cybercrlmlnals might have used an Insider's credentials, further complicating the breach. Given the extremely sensitive nature of the data involved, a leak could have severe national security implications and irreparably tarnish the company's reputation. Considering the potential gravity and intricacies of this security incident, what immediate action should you undertake to handle this situation effectively, safeguard crucial data, and minimize potential fallout?
Answer : B
In the event of a cyberattack involving highly sensitive data, such as a missile defense system, the immediate focus should be on containing the breach and understanding its scope. Here's a step-by-step approach:
Incident Response Protocol:
Containment: Isolate the impacted server to prevent further unauthorized access or data exfiltration. This helps to limit the damage and secure sensitive information.
Assessment: Examine network logs, affected systems, and user activities to determine the extent of the breach. This includes identifying how the attackers gained access and what data might have been compromised.
Minimize Fallout:
Preservation of Evidence: Ensure that all logs and forensic data are preserved for a detailed investigation.
Internal Coordination: Inform key stakeholders within the organization, including the executive board and legal team, about the breach and ongoing response efforts.
Collaboration:
Federal Agencies: Depending on the severity and national security implications, notifying federal agencies might be necessary after initial containment and assessment.
External Experts: If required, engage external cybersecurity firms to assist with the investigation and provide additional expertise.
NIST Computer Security Incident Handling Guide: NIST SP 800-61r2
SANS Institute Incident Handling Handbook: SANS Reading Room
In an organization, all the servers and database systems are guarded in a sealed room with a single-entry point. The entrance is protected with a physical lock system that requires typing a sequence of numbers and letters by using a rotating dial that intermingles with several other rotating discs.
Which of the following types of physical locks is used by the organization in the above scenario?
Answer : B
It identifies the type of physical lock used by the organization in the above scenario. A physical lock is a device that prevents unauthorized access to a door, gate, cabinet, or other enclosure by using a mechanism that requires a key, code, or biometric factor to open or close it. There are different types of physical locks, such as:
Combination lock: This type of lock requires typing a sequence of numbers and letters by using a rotating dial that intermingles with several other rotating discs. This type of lock is suitable for securing safes, lockers, or cabinets that store valuable items or documents.
Digital lock: This type of lock requires entering a numeric or alphanumeric code by using a keypad or touchscreen. This type of lock is suitable for securing doors or gates that require frequent access or multiple users.
Mechanical lock: This type of lock requires inserting and turning a metal key that matches the shape and size of the lock. This type of lock is suitable for securing doors or gates that require simple and reliable access or single users.
Electromagnetic lock: This type of lock requires applying an electric current to a magnet that attracts a metal plate attached to the door or gate. This type of lock is suitable for securing doors or gates that require remote control or integration with other security systems.
In the above scenario, the organization used a combination lock that requires typing a sequence of numbers and letters by using a rotating dial that intermingles with several other rotating discs. Option A is incorrect, as it does not identify the type of physical lock used by the organization in the above scenario. A digital lock requires entering a numeric or alphanumeric code by using a keypad or touchscreen. In the above scenario, the organization did not use a digital lock, but a combination lock. Option C is incorrect, as it does not identify the type of physical lock used by the organization in the above scenario. A mechanical lock requires inserting and turning a metal key that matches the shape and size of the lock. In the above scenario, the organization did not use a mechanical lock, but a combination lock. Option D is incorrect, as it does not identify the type of physical lock used by the organization in the above scenario. An electromagnetic lock requires applying an electric current to a magnet that attracts a metal plate attached to the door or gate. In the above scenario, the organization did not use an electromagnetic lock, but a combination lock. Reference: , Section 7.2
An attacker used the ping-of-death (PoD) technique to crash a target Android device. The network traffic was captured by the SOC team and was provided to you to perform a detailed analysis. Analyze the android.pcapng file located In the Documents folder of the Attacker machine-2 and determine the length of PoD packets In bytes. (Practical Question)
Answer : D
To determine the length of Ping of Death (PoD) packets in bytes from the provided network traffic capture (android.pcapng), follow these steps:
Open the Capture File:
Use a network analysis tool like Wireshark to open the android.pcapng file.
Filter for PoD Packets:
Apply filters to isolate ICMP echo request packets (Ping packets) and specifically look for oversized packets characteristic of a Ping of Death attack.
Analyze Packet Length:
Examine the packet details to determine the length of the packets involved in the attack. PoD packets are typically malformed and exceed the standard 65,535 bytes limit, but in this case, the length is identified as 54 bytes.
Wireshark documentation and usage: Wireshark User Guide
Analysis of Ping of Death attacks: CERT Advisory
An advanced persistent threat (APT) group known for Its stealth and sophistication targeted a leading software development company. The attack was meticulously planned and executed over several months. It involved exploiting vulnerabilities at both the application level and the operating system level. The attack resulted in the extraction of sensitive source code and disruption of development operations. Post-incident analysis revealed multiple attack vectors, including phishing, exploitation of unknown/unpatched vulnerabilities in software/hardware. and lateral movement within the network. Given the nature and execution of this attack, what was the primary method used by the attackers to initiate this APT?
Answer : B
Definition of Zero-Day Vulnerability:
A zero-day vulnerability is a flaw in software that is unknown to the vendor and thus has no patch available. Exploiting such a vulnerability allows attackers to infiltrate systems without detection.
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Characteristics:
APT groups are known for their sophisticated tactics, often leveraging zero-day vulnerabilities to gain initial access. These attacks are stealthy and can remain undetected for extended periods.
Initial Access Vector:
By exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in a developer's application, attackers can bypass traditional security defenses and establish a foothold within the target network.
Impact of Exploitation:
Once inside, attackers can move laterally, escalate privileges, and extract sensitive data. The use of a zero-day makes detection and remediation challenging.
The sophistication and stealth of the APT attack described align with the exploitation of a zero-day vulnerability, making it the primary method used to initiate the attack.
Warren, a member of IH&R team at an organization, was tasked with handling a malware attack launched on one of servers connected to the organization's network. He immediately implemented appropriate measures to stop the infection from spreading to other organizational assets and to prevent further damage to the organization.
Identify the IH&R step performed by Warren in the above scenario.
Answer : A
Containment is the IH&R step performed by Warren in the above scenario. IH&R (Incident Handling and Response) is a process that involves identifying, analyzing, containing, eradicating, recovering from, and reporting on security incidents that affect an organization's network or system. Containment is the IH&R step that involves implementing appropriate measures to stop the infection from spreading to other organizational assets and to prevent further damage to the organization . Containment can be done by isolating the affected system or network, blocking malicious traffic or communication, disabling or removing malicious accounts or processes, etc. Recovery is the IH&R step that involves restoring the normal operation of the system or network after eradicating the incident. Eradication is the IH&R step that involves removing all traces of the incident from the system or network, such as malware, backdoors, compromised files, etc. Incident triage is the IH&R step that involves prioritizing incidents based on their severity, impact, and urgency.
Analyze the executable file ShadowByte.exe located in the Downloads folder of the Attacker Machine-I and determine the Linker Info value of the file. (Practical Question)
Answer : B
Analyzing the executable file to determine the Linker Info value involves examining the file's properties. The Linker Info is part of the metadata within an executable file, often viewed using tools such as PE Explorer, CFF Explorer, or using command-line tools like dumpbin in Windows or readelf in Unix-like systems. Here's a step-by-step approach:
Locate the file: Ensure that ShadowByte.exe is in the Downloads folder.
Use a tool to inspect the executable:
PE Explorer/CFF Explorer: Open the file in one of these tools and navigate to the sections that display header information.
Command-line: Use dumpbin /HEADERS ShadowByte.exe on Windows or readelf -h ShadowByte.exe on Unix-like systems.
Identify the Linker Info: Look for the 'Linker Version' or similar field in the output.
Interpret the value: In this case, the correct Linker Info value is 2.25.
Microsoft Docs on dumpbin usage: Link
PE Explorer/CFF Explorer documentation.