Isaca CCOA ISACA Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst Exam Practice Test

Answer : A

To create a new case in Security Onion using the logs from the win-webserver01_logs.zip file, follow these detailed steps:

Step 1: Access Security Onion

Open a web browser and go to your Security Onion web interface.

URL: https://<security-onion-ip>/

Log in using your Security Onion credentials.

Step 2: Prepare the Log File

Navigate to the Desktop and open the Investigations folder.

Locate the file:

win-webserver01_logs.zip

Unzip the file to inspect its contents:

unzip ~/Desktop/Investigations/win-webserver01_logs.zip -d ~/Desktop/Investigations/win-webserver01_logs

Ensure that the extracted files, including System-logs.evtx, are accessible.

Step 3: Open the Hunt Interface in Security Onion

On the Security Onion dashboard, go to 'Hunt' (or 'Cases' depending on the version).

Click on 'Cases' to manage incident cases.

Step 4: Create a New Case

Click on 'New Case' to start a fresh investigation.

Case Details:

Title:

Windows Webserver Logs - CCOA New Case

TLP (Traffic Light Protocol):

Set to Green (indicating that the information can be shared freely).

Example Configuration:

Field Value

Title Windows Webserver Logs - CCOA New Case

TLP Green

Summary (Leave blank if not required)

Click 'Save' to create the case.

Step 5: Upload the Log Files

After creating the case, go to the 'Files' section of the new case.

Click on 'Upload' and select the unzipped log file:

~/Desktop/Investigations/win-webserver01_logs/System-logs.evtx

Once uploaded, the file will be associated with the case.

Step 6: Verify the Case Creation

Go back to the Cases dashboard.

Locate and verify that the case 'Windows Webserver Logs - CCOA New Case' exists with TLP: Green.

Check that the log file has been successfully uploaded.

Step 7: Document and Report

Document the case details:

Case Title: Windows Webserver Logs - CCOA New Case

TLP: Green

Log File: System-logs.evtx

Include any initial observations from the log analysis.

Example Answe r:

A new case titled 'Windows Webserver Logs - CCOA New Case' with TLP set to Green has been successfully created in Security Onion. The log file System-logs.evtx has been uploaded and linked to the case.

Step 8: Next Steps for Investigation

Analyze the log file: Start hunting for suspicious activities.

Create analysis tasks: Assign team members to investigate specific log entries.

Correlate with other data: Cross-reference with threat intelligence sources.

Answer : D

The primary function of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is to collect and analyze information from publicly available sources. This data can include:

Social Media Profiles: Gaining insights into employees or organizational activities.

Public Websites: Extracting data from corporate pages, forums, or blogs.

Government and Legal Databases: Collecting information from public records and legal filings.

Search Engine Results: Finding indexed data, reports, or leaked documents.

Technical Footprinting: Gathering information from publicly exposed systems or DNS records.

OSINT is crucial in both defensive and offensive security strategies, providing insights into potential attack vectors or organizational vulnerabilities.

Incorrect Options:

A . Encoding stolen data prior to exfiltration: This relates to data exfiltration techniques, not OSINT.

B . Initiating active probes for open ports: This is part of network scanning, not passive intelligence gathering.

C . Delivering remote access malware via social engineering: This is an attack vector rather than intelligence gathering.

Exact Extract from CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition:

Refer to Chapter 2, Section 'Threat Intelligence and OSINT', Subsection 'Roles and Applications of OSINT' - OSINT involves leveraging publicly available sources to gather information on potential targets, be it individuals or organizations.

Answer : C

The primary risk associated with cybercriminals eavesdropping on unencrypted network traffic is data exposure because:

Interception of Sensitive Data: Unencrypted traffic can be easily captured using tools like Wireshark or tcpdump.

Loss of Confidentiality: Attackers can view clear-text data, including passwords, personal information, or financial details.

Common Attack Techniques: Includes packet sniffing and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks.

Mitigation: Encrypt data in transit using protocols like HTTPS, SSL/TLS, or VPNs.

Other options analysis:

A . Data notification: Not relevant in the context of eavesdropping.

B . Data exfiltration: Usually involves transferring data out of the network, not just observing it.

D . Data deletion: Unrelated to passive eavesdropping.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition Reference:

Chapter 4: Network Security Operations: Highlights the risks of unencrypted traffic.

Chapter 8: Threat Detection and Monitoring: Discusses eavesdropping techniques and mitigation.

Answer : A

Step 1: Define the Problem and Objective

Objective:

Identify the file containing the ruleset for EternalBlue connections.

Include the file extension in the response.

Context:

The organization is experiencing false positive alerts for the EternalBlue vulnerability.

The rulesets are located at:

/home/administrator/hids/ruleset/rules

We need to find the specific file associated with EternalBlue.

Step 2: Prepare for Access

2.1: SIEM Access Details:

URL:

https://10.10.55.2

Username:

ccoatest@isaca.org

Password:

Security-Analyst!

Ensure your machine has access to the SIEM system via HTTPS.

Step 3: Access the SIEM System

3.1: Connect via SSH (if needed)

Open a terminal and connect:

ssh administrator@10.10.55.2

Password:

Security-Analyst!

If prompted about SSH key verification, type yes to continue.

Step 4: Locate the Ruleset File

4.1: Navigate to the Ruleset Directory

Change to the ruleset directory:

cd /home/administrator/hids/ruleset/rules

ls -l

You should see a list of files with names indicating their purpose.

4.2: Search for EternalBlue Ruleset

Use grep to locate the EternalBlue rule:

grep -irl 'eternalblue' *

grep -i: Case-insensitive search.

-r: Recursive search within the directory.

-l: Only print file names with matches.

'eternalblue': The keyword to search.

*: All files in the current directory.

Expected Output:

exploit_eternalblue.rules

Filename:

exploit_eternalblue.rules

The file extension is .rules, typical for intrusion detection system (IDS) rule files.

Step 5: Verify the Content of the Ruleset File

5.1: Open and Inspect the File

Use less to view the file contents:

less exploit_eternalblue.rules

Check for rule patterns like:

alert tcp $EXTERNAL_NET any -> $HOME_NET 445 (msg:'EternalBlue SMB Exploit'; ...)

Use the search within less:

/eternalblue

Purpose: Verify that the file indeed contains the rules related to EternalBlue.

Step 6: Document Your Findings

Answe r:

Ruleset File for EternalBlue:

exploit_eternalblue.rules

File Path:

/home/administrator/hids/ruleset/rules/exploit_eternalblue.rules

Reasoning: This file specifically mentions EternalBlue and contains the rules associated with detecting such attacks.

Step 7: Recommendation

Mitigation for False Positives:

Update the Ruleset:

Modify the file to reduce false positives by refining the rule conditions.

Update Signatures:

Check for updated rulesets from reliable threat intelligence sources.

Whitelist Known Safe IPs:

Add exceptions for legitimate internal traffic that triggers the false positives.

Implement Tuning:

Adjust the SIEM correlation rules to decrease alert noise.

Final Verification:

Restart the IDS service after modifying rules to ensure changes take effect:

sudo systemctl restart hids

Check the status:

sudo systemctl status hids

Final Answe r:

Ruleset File Name:

exploit_eternalblue.rules

Answer : B

The most effective way to obtain business owner approval for cybersecurity initiatives is to create a steering committee that includes key stakeholders from different departments. This approach works because:

Inclusive Decision-Making: Involving business owners in a structured committee fosters collaboration and buy-in.

Alignment with Business Goals: A steering committee ensures that cybersecurity initiatives align with the organization's strategic objectives.

Regular Communication: Provides a formal platform to present cybersecurity challenges, proposed solutions, and progress updates.

Informed Decisions: Business owners are more likely to support initiatives when they understand the risks and benefits.

Consensus Building: A committee fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for cybersecurity.

Other options analysis:

A . Provide data classifications: While useful for identifying data sensitivity, this alone does not directly gain approval.

C . Generate progress reports: These are informative but lack the strategic collaboration needed for decision-making.

D . Conduct an Internal audit: Helps assess current security posture but does not engage business owners proactively.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition Reference:

Chapter 2: Governance and Management: Discusses forming committees for cross-functional decision-making.

Chapter 5: Risk Management Strategies: Emphasizes stakeholder engagement through structured groups.

Answer : A

To decode the targets within the file pcap_artifact5.txt, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the File

Log into the Analyst Desktop.

Navigate to the Desktop and locate the file:

pcap_artifact5.txt

Open the file using a text editor:

On Windows:

nginx

notepad pcap_artifact5.txt

On Linux:

cat ~/Desktop/pcap_artifact5.txt

Step 2: Examine the File Contents

Analyze the contents to identify the encoding format. Common formats include:

Base64

Hexadecimal

URL Encoding

ROT13

Example Encoded Data (Base64):

makefile

MTBjYWwuY29tL2V4YW0K

Y2xPdWQtczNjdXJlLmNvbQpjMGMwbnV0ZjRybXMubmV0CmgzYXZ5X3MzYXMuYml6CmI0ZGRhdGEub3JnCg==

Step 3: Decode the Contents

Method 1: Using PowerShell (Windows)

Open PowerShell:

powershell

$encoded = Get-Content 'C:\Users\<Username>\Desktop\pcap_artifact5.txt'

[System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetString([System.Convert]::FromBase64String($encoded))

This command will display the decoded targets.

Method 2: Using Linux

Use base64 decoding:

base64 -d ~/Desktop/pcap_artifact5.txt

If the content appears to be hexadecimal, use:

xxd -r -p ~/Desktop/pcap_artifact5.txt

For URL encoding, use:

echo -e $(cat ~/Desktop/pcap_artifact5.txt | sed 's/%/\\x/g')

Step 4: Analyze the Decoded Output

The decoded content should reveal domain names or URLs.

Check for valid domain structures, such as:

10cal.com/exam

clOud-s3cure.com

c0c0nutf4rms.net

h3avy_s3as.biz

b4ddata.org

Example Decoded Output:

10cal.com/exam

clOud-s3cure.com

c0c0nutf4rms.net

h3avy_s3as.biz

b4ddata.org

Step 5: Verify the Decoded Targets

Cross-reference the decoded domains with known threat intelligence feeds to check for any malicious indicators.

Use tools like VirusTotal or URLHaus to verify the domains.

10cal.com/exam

clOud-s3cure.com

c0c0nutf4rms.net

h3avy_s3as.biz

b4ddata.org

Step 6: Document the Finding

Decoded Targets:

10cal.com/exam

clOud-s3cure.com

c0c0nutf4rms.net

h3avy_s3as.biz

b4ddata.org

Source File: pcap_artifact5.txt

Decoding Method: Base64 (or the identified method)

Answer : A

The kernel is the core component of an operating system (OS) responsible for:

Resource Management: Manages CPU, memory, I/O devices, and other hardware resources.

Security Policies: Enforces access control, user permissions, and process isolation.

Hardware Abstraction: Acts as an intermediary between the hardware and software, providing low-level device drivers.

Process and Memory Management: Handles process scheduling, memory allocation, and inter-process communication.

Incorrect Options:

B . Library: A collection of functions or routines that can be used by applications, not the core of the OS.

C . Application: Runs on top of the OS, not a part of its core functionality.

D . Shell: An interface for users to interact with the OS, but not responsible for resource management.

Exact Extract from CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition:

Refer to Chapter 4, Section 'Operating System Security,' Subsection 'Kernel Responsibilities' - The kernel is fundamental to managing system resources and enforcing security.