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200-201 Cisco Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question No 1:

Which of the following events involves user interaction in a cybersecurity context?

A. Gaining root access
B. Executing remote code
C. Reading and writing file permission
D. Opening a malicious file

Answer:

The correct answer is D. Opening a malicious file.

Explanation:

In the context of cybersecurity, user interaction refers to any action taken by a user that directly affects the system, often leading to unintended consequences or security vulnerabilities. User interactions can play a key role in both successful attacks and security defenses. Let’s break down each of the answer options:

Option A: Gaining root access

• Incorrect. Gaining root access refers to obtaining administrative privileges on a system, which typically involves exploiting a vulnerability or using a privileged account. While this is a serious security event, it is usually the result of an exploit or attack, rather than direct user interaction. In most cases, this process is performed by an attacker rather than a legitimate user through methods like privilege escalation or hacking.

Option B: Executing remote code

• Incorrect. Executing remote code typically refers to running code on a system from a remote location. While this can involve user interaction in some cases (for example, a user clicking on a malicious link that triggers the code), executing remote code itself is more associated with an attack method, such as in the case of a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability. This can be triggered automatically by an attacker, not necessarily through user interaction.

Option C: Reading and writing file permission

• Incorrect. Reading and writing file permissions refers to the ability to access, modify, or change the attributes of files within a system. While users may interact with files, simply adjusting file permissions or accessing files is a system-level action that doesn't inherently represent user interaction in the sense of an intentional action leading to security consequences (like opening a malicious file). However, malicious file modifications can result from other forms of user interaction, but not the permission changes themselves.

Option D: Opening a malicious file

• Correct. Opening a malicious file is a classic example of user interaction that can lead to a security breach. When a user opens a file that has been deliberately crafted to contain malicious code (such as a virus, worm, or malware), it can execute harmful actions, such as data theft, system compromise, or spreading malware. This event involves a direct action taken by the user (opening the file), which is why it is classified as user interaction. The user's actions in this case can activate vulnerabilities and lead to security issues, which is why cybersecurity awareness and training often focus on caution when opening unknown or suspicious files.

In cybersecurity, user interaction refers to any deliberate action a user takes that may impact the security of a system or network. Among the provided options, the most accurate representation of user interaction is opening a malicious file. This action is often a vector for malware or other types of attacks, making it critical to understand how user behavior can influence system security. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Opening a malicious file.

Question No 2:

Which security principle mandates that more than one person is required to perform a critical task to ensure security?

A. Least privilege
B. Need to know
C. Separation of duties
D. Due diligence

Answer:

The correct answer is C. Separation of duties.

Explanation:

In information security, several principles guide how to manage access and control to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. One of these principles focuses on dividing responsibilities and tasks to reduce the risk of fraud, errors, or unauthorized access. Let's explore each option in detail to understand why Separation of duties is the correct answer:

Option A: Least privilege

• Incorrect. The principle of least privilege states that individuals should only be given the minimal level of access necessary to perform their job functions. This means granting access rights that are restricted to the specific resources and actions that an individual needs to carry out their duties. While it helps limit exposure and potential harm, it does not specifically require multiple individuals to perform critical tasks. The principle is focused on restricting access, not distributing tasks among multiple people.

Option B: Need to know

• Incorrect. The need to know principle dictates that individuals should only have access to information that is essential for their roles or responsibilities. While this principle helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, it does not require multiple people to handle a critical task. Instead, it focuses on limiting access to only the necessary information.

Option C: Separation of duties

• Correct. The separation of duties (SoD) principle is designed to ensure that no single individual has complete control over a critical task. It requires that critical tasks or processes be divided among multiple individuals, each with specific roles. This separation is vital for reducing the risk of fraud, errors, or abuse of power. For example, one person might initiate a financial transaction, while another person approves it. By separating these duties, the organization can prevent any single person from being able to carry out and cover up fraudulent activities. This principle is fundamental to maintaining checks and balances within an organization.

Option D: Due diligence

• Incorrect. Due diligence refers to the process of thoroughly investigating and evaluating something before making a decision, especially in the context of investments, compliance, and risk assessments. It is an action-oriented principle to ensure that appropriate care is taken in decision-making. While due diligence is crucial for risk management and compliance, it does not require the involvement of multiple people in a critical task. Its focus is on responsibility and awareness rather than task distribution.

The separation of duties principle is essential for securing critical tasks and preventing fraud, errors, and unauthorized activities within an organization. By ensuring that more than one individual is involved in performing sensitive or critical actions, this principle minimizes the risk that one person could misuse their privileges. It helps establish a system of checks and balances that enhances security and accountability. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Separation of duties.

Question No 3:

When a cyber attacker takes advantage of a vulnerability to compromise a system, how is this action categorized in the context of the attack lifecycle?

A. Action on objectives
B. Delivery
C. Exploitation
D. Installation

Answer:

The correct answer is C. Exploitation.

Explanation:

In the context of a cyber attack, the overall process typically follows a series of steps or stages. These stages are part of a larger attack lifecycle that includes reconnaissance, delivery, exploitation, and installation, among other phases. To understand how attacking a vulnerability is categorized, it’s important to recognize what each stage entails. Let’s break down the provided options:

Option A: Action on objectives

• Incorrect. Action on objectives refers to the final stage of a cyber attack, where the attacker achieves their intended goals, such as data theft, destruction, or disruption of services. This stage occurs after the attacker has gained access to the target system and is performing actions based on their objectives (e.g., stealing sensitive data or deploying ransomware). While important, this is not the stage where the vulnerability is actively exploited. It is more about achieving the attack's end goals after exploitation has occurred.

Option B: Delivery

• Incorrect. Delivery refers to the stage in which the attacker delivers the malicious payload or exploit to the victim’s system. This could include delivering malware via email attachments, exploiting a web vulnerability, or using other methods such as phishing. The delivery phase ensures that the malicious payload reaches the target system, but it does not refer to the actual act of exploiting a vulnerability. It is simply the step before exploitation occurs.

Option C: Exploitation

• Correct. Exploitation is the stage in the cyber attack lifecycle where the attacker actively takes advantage of a vulnerability in the system to gain unauthorized access or control. This could involve exploiting a software flaw, configuration mistake, or weakness in a network. Exploitation typically follows after the attacker has gathered information about the system or vulnerabilities (reconnaissance) and delivered a payload (delivery). Once the attacker exploits the vulnerability, they gain unauthorized access, which may lead to further stages such as installation of malicious software or data exfiltration. Thus, exploitation is the correct term for the stage where the attacker actively uses the vulnerability to compromise the system.

Option D: Installation

• Incorrect. Installation refers to the stage where the attacker installs malware or other tools on the compromised system to maintain access or achieve persistence. This is done after the system has been exploited, and the attacker has gained access. Installation typically follows exploitation, and is a crucial step if the attacker intends to maintain long-term access or control over the system. However, it does not refer to the actual act of exploiting a vulnerability.

When an attacker takes advantage of a vulnerability to compromise a system, it is categorized as exploitation. This stage is a critical part of the attack lifecycle because it represents the moment when the attacker successfully leverages a weakness in the system to gain unauthorized access. Exploitation is the key phase where vulnerabilities are actively utilized, setting the stage for subsequent actions like installation of malicious tools, action on objectives, or other malicious activities. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Exploitation.

Question No 4:

What is a primary benefit of using agent-based protection compared to agentless protection in cybersecurity?

A. It lowers maintenance costs
B. It provides a centralized platform
C. It collects and detects all traffic locally
D. It manages numerous devices simultaneously

Answer:

The correct answer is C. It collects and detects all traffic locally.

Explanation:

In cybersecurity, the decision between agent-based and agentless protection methods is crucial when deciding how to secure endpoints, networks, or other assets. Both approaches have their pros and cons, depending on the requirements of the environment and the specific security goals. Let’s examine each of the provided options in the context of agent-based protection.

Option A: It lowers maintenance costs

• Incorrect. One of the drawbacks of agent-based protection is that it requires more maintenance than agentless protection. This is because each individual device or endpoint must have an agent installed and periodically updated. These agents need to be monitored, patched, and managed across all devices, which can increase operational overhead and maintenance costs. In contrast, agentless protection generally requires less maintenance, as there are no individual agents to manage on each endpoint.

Option B: It provides a centralized platform

• Incorrect. While centralized management is often a feature of both agent-based and agentless protection solutions, it is not a unique benefit of agent-based protection. Many agentless solutions offer centralized platforms that provide a holistic view of the network without needing agents on each endpoint. However, agent-based solutions also usually have centralized management consoles for overseeing the agents deployed across devices, so this benefit is not exclusive to agent-based protection.

Option C: It collects and detects all traffic locally

• Correct. One of the primary advantages of agent-based protection is its ability to collect and detect traffic locally on the device where the agent is installed. This allows for more granular visibility and real-time analysis of the device’s traffic and behavior. By analyzing data locally, agent-based solutions can also function effectively even when network connectivity is limited or intermittent. In contrast, agentless protection often relies on a centralized server to analyze traffic, which may not have access to as detailed or real-time data from individual endpoints.

Option D: It manages numerous devices simultaneously

• Incorrect. While agent-based protection can be part of a solution that manages numerous devices, the ability to manage a large number of devices is not a unique advantage of agent-based solutions. Agentless protection can also manage many devices simultaneously by connecting to those devices remotely, often without needing any software installed on the endpoint. However, agentless solutions might not have the same level of detailed, device-specific traffic detection as agent-based systems.

The key benefit of agent-based protection over agentless protection is its ability to collect and detect traffic locally on the endpoint. This provides a deeper, more detailed view of the device’s activity and behavior, enabling faster and more accurate detection of security threats. While agent-based solutions often require more maintenance and can be more resource-intensive, the local detection capability makes them especially valuable in environments where precise monitoring and real-time analysis of endpoint traffic are critical. Therefore, the correct answer is C. It collects and detects all traffic locally.

Question No 5:

Which principle is being followed when an analyst collects relevant information during a security incident to determine the best course of action?

A. Decision making
B. Rapid response
C. Data mining
D. Due diligence

Answer:

The correct answer is D. Due diligence.

Explanation:

When a security incident occurs, it is essential for analysts to gather and assess relevant information in order to respond effectively. The principle guiding this action is due diligence, which emphasizes taking appropriate care and caution to ensure that decisions are based on sound evidence and thorough analysis. Let’s explore each option to understand why due diligence is the most appropriate answer.

Option A: Decision making

• Incorrect. Decision making is an inherent part of the process when responding to security incidents, but it does not fully capture the principle at play when an analyst is gathering information. Decision making involves evaluating different courses of action, but the specific principle guiding the collection and assessment of information is due diligence. In other words, decision making is the final step in the process, but due diligence governs how information is gathered and evaluated to make those decisions.

Option B: Rapid response

• Incorrect. Rapid response refers to acting quickly to contain and mitigate the impact of a security incident. While speed is important during an incident, the principle of rapid response focuses on the speed of execution rather than the thoroughness of information gathering. The principle of due diligence stresses taking the time to carefully collect and evaluate information, which may sometimes require thoughtful deliberation, even if the response to the incident itself is urgent.

Option C: Data mining

• Incorrect. Data mining involves the process of analyzing large sets of data to uncover patterns, correlations, or other useful insights. While data mining can be part of an investigation process, especially when searching through logs or system data, it is not the overarching principle that governs the collection of information for a security incident. In this context, the due diligence principle is more focused on ensuring thorough, accurate, and careful collection of data, not simply searching for patterns in large datasets.

Option D: Due diligence

• Correct. Due diligence is the principle that requires individuals to exercise proper care and attention when handling sensitive matters, such as a security incident. In this context, due diligence means that the analyst must gather all relevant information, evaluate the available data carefully, and consider all factors before making decisions about the appropriate response to the incident. It ensures that the response to a security incident is based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation, mitigating the risk of hasty or incomplete actions that could worsen the situation. Due diligence emphasizes careful and responsible analysis, making it the most fitting principle in this scenario.

In the context of security incident response, due diligence refers to the careful and thorough collection and evaluation of information to determine the most appropriate actions. By following due diligence, analysts can make well-informed decisions that are based on a solid understanding of the incident and its potential impacts, rather than reacting impulsively. This principle helps to ensure that the organization responds effectively, efficiently, and in a way that minimizes further risks. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Due diligence.

Question No 6:

One of the primary objectives of information security is to protect the CIA of information and systems. What does CIA stand for in this context?

A. Confidentiality, identity, and authorization
B. Confidentiality, integrity, and authorization
C. Confidentiality, identity, and availability
D. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability

Answer:

The correct answer is D. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Explanation:

In the context of information security, the CIA triad is a foundational model used to guide the development of security policies and practices. The acronym CIA stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability, and these three principles are essential in protecting the data and systems of an organization. Let’s examine each component of the CIA triad to understand why D. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability is the correct answer:

Confidentiality:

• Confidentiality refers to ensuring that sensitive or private information is accessible only to those who are authorized to view it. This is a critical aspect of information security, as unauthorized access or data breaches can lead to significant privacy issues, financial losses, or reputation damage. Mechanisms like encryption, access control policies, and authentication procedures are used to maintain confidentiality.

Integrity:

• Integrity refers to maintaining the accuracy, consistency, and trustworthiness of data throughout its lifecycle. This means ensuring that data is not altered or tampered with, whether maliciously or accidentally. Techniques such as hash functions, checksums, and digital signatures help verify that data has not been modified in unauthorized ways.

Availability:

• Availability ensures that information and systems are accessible when needed by authorized users. This principle emphasizes minimizing downtime and ensuring that systems are resilient to disruptions, whether caused by natural disasters, cyber-attacks, or hardware failures. High availability solutions, disaster recovery plans, and redundancy strategies are commonly used to protect against loss of availability.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option A: Confidentiality, identity, and authorization:

• Incorrect. While identity and authorization are important aspects of access control, they are not part of the CIA triad. The triad focuses on the confidentiality of information, its integrity, and its availability, not on the mechanisms of authentication and access management.

Option B: Confidentiality, integrity, and authorization:

• Incorrect. Authorization is a vital component of security, as it ensures that users or systems have the appropriate permissions to access resources. However, it is not one of the three pillars of the CIA triad, which focuses on the data's confidentiality, integrity, and availability, not just authorization.

Option C: Confidentiality, identity, and availability:

• Incorrect. While identity is important for determining access and ensuring appropriate use of systems, it is not a core component of the CIA triad. The correct focus is on the confidentiality of information, its integrity, and its availability for users who are authorized to access it.

The CIA triad is fundamental to understanding and implementing effective information security practices. It provides a straightforward framework that organizations can use to protect their data and systems against unauthorized access, data corruption, and downtime. By ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations can safeguard their sensitive information, maintain trust with their users, and ensure that systems remain operational even under adverse conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Question No 7:

How does rule-based detection differ from statistical detection in the context of security monitoring?

A. Proof of a user's identity
B. Proof of a user's action
C. Likelihood of a user's action
D. Falsification of a user's identity

Answer:

The correct answer is B. Proof of a user's action.

Explanation:

In the context of security monitoring, both rule-based detection and statistical detection are methods used to identify potential security threats or anomalies. They each take different approaches to detecting malicious activity or abnormal behavior. Let’s delve into the differences between these two methods, and why proof of a user’s action best describes the distinction.

Rule-Based Detection:

• Rule-based detection is a straightforward method that uses predefined rules or patterns to identify suspicious behavior. These rules are often crafted by security experts based on known attack patterns, best practices, or prior incidents. When a system detects behavior that matches these predefined rules, it triggers an alert or takes appropriate action.

• For example, a rule might specify that if a user attempts to log in with incorrect credentials more than three times in a row, an alert should be triggered. These rules are often static and designed to detect known threats or specific malicious actions.

• Proof of a user’s action refers to the fact that rule-based detection looks for specific actions that match known patterns or signatures. If the user’s behavior, such as multiple failed login attempts, matches a rule, the system can confirm that a specific action has been taken that could indicate a potential security issue.

Statistical Detection:

• Statistical detection, on the other hand, uses statistical models to detect anomalies or deviations from normal behavior. This approach is less reliant on predefined rules and instead builds a baseline of what is "normal" for user behavior or network traffic. The system then flags any activity that significantly deviates from this normal pattern as potentially suspicious.

• For instance, statistical detection might flag a sudden surge in data usage or logins at unusual hours as abnormal, even if these actions don't directly match a specific predefined rule.

• Likelihood of a user’s action relates to how statistical detection evaluates behavior by comparing it to statistical norms. If a user’s behavior significantly deviates from the established baseline, statistical detection identifies this as a possible anomaly without needing to match a specific rule.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option A: Proof of a user's identity:

• Incorrect. While proving a user’s identity is a crucial aspect of security, neither rule-based nor statistical detection primarily focuses on identity verification. Identity verification typically falls under authentication mechanisms, not behavior detection methods.

Option C: Likelihood of a user's action:

• Incorrect. While statistical detection does assess the likelihood of a user performing an action based on historical patterns, rule-based detection does not focus on the likelihood of actions but rather looks for specific, predefined behaviors that are deemed suspicious.

Option D: Falsification of a user's identity:

• Incorrect. Falsification of a user's identity is related to identity theft or spoofing. Although security detection methods like rule-based or statistical detection may help identify such activities (e.g., by monitoring abnormal login behavior), the primary goal of these detection methods is not to directly assess identity falsification.

Rule-based detection focuses on identifying specific actions that match predefined rules, making it a more deterministic approach that provides proof of a user's action. It is highly effective for detecting known threats where the attack patterns or behaviors are already well understood. On the other hand, statistical detection identifies potential anomalies or deviations from established norms and is more flexible for detecting previously unseen threats or unusual behaviors. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Proof of a user's action.