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PAM-DEF CyberArk Practice Test Questions and Exam Dumps

Question 1 :
What is required on the Vault in order to enable LDAP over SSL (LDAPS)?

A. CA Certificate(s) used to sign the External Directory certificate
B. RECPRV.key
C. A private key for the external directory
D. Self-signed Certificate(s) for the Vault

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

When configuring LDAP over SSL (LDAPS) for the CyberArk Vault, trusted communication between the Vault and the external directory (typically Active Directory) is essential. This trust is established through the use of certificates.

Why A is Correct:

• The Vault needs to trust the SSL certificate presented by the external LDAP directory.

• This certificate is usually signed by a Certificate Authority (CA).

• Therefore, the Vault must import the CA certificate(s) into its trusted root certificate store.

• This allows the Vault to validate that the SSL certificate used by the LDAP server is authentic and trusted.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• B. RECPRV.key
  This is a private key file used internally by the Vault for Vault-to-Vault replication, not for LDAP communication.

• C. A private key for the external directory
  The Vault does not need the private key of the external directory. That private key is managed securely by the directory server itself and must never be shared.

• D. Self-signed Certificate(s) for the Vault
  Self-signed certificates might be used by the Vault itself, but in the case of LDAP over SSL, the issue is the Vault trusting the external directory, not the other way around. Hence, Vault must have the CA cert that issued the directory’s SSL cert.

To enable LDAP over SSL in CyberArk, the Vault must trust the external LDAP server’s certificate. The correct way to do this is by installing the CA certificate(s) used to sign the LDAP server’s certificate on the Vault.

Question 2 :
You're investigating slow response times in the CyberArk PVWA (Password Vault Web Access). Which two log files should you check first?

A. ITALog.log
B. web.config
C. CyberArk.WebApplication.log
D. CyberArk.WebConsole.log

Correct Answer A and C

Explanation:
When diagnosing performance issues like slow response times in CyberArk PVWA, it's important to look at logs that provide insight into backend processing, authentication flows, and general application behavior.

Let’s evaluate each option:

• A. ITALog.log
  Correct. The ITALog.log (Identity and Access log) records detailed information about backend processes handled by the Application Server (IIS), including authentication and session handling. Performance bottlenecks often surface here first—especially if tied to user login, vault access, or API-related delays.

• B. web.config
  Incorrect. This is a configuration file, not a log file. While it’s helpful to verify timeout values or debug flags during advanced troubleshooting, it doesn't provide runtime logs or error traces. It’s not a first-stop for live issue debugging.

• C. CyberArk.WebApplication.log
  Correct. This log captures runtime information for the core PVWA application. It shows real-time actions, errors, latency in request processing, and exceptions that may point to slowness. It is one of the primary logs used during performance issue analysis.

• D. CyberArk.WebConsole.log
  Incorrect. This log is related to the PVWA’s web console interface. While it may contain minor UI-related logs or user interaction entries, it is typically not as informative about system performance or backend slowdowns.

To effectively troubleshoot slow PVWA performance, start with ITAlog.log and CyberArk.WebApplication.log, as these provide the most relevant information regarding processing delays, backend errors, and request execution time.

Question 3 :
What is the easiest method to duplicate an existing platform in CyberArk?

A. From PrivateArk, copy/paste the appropriate Policy.ini file; then rename it.
B. From the PVWA, navigate to the platforms page, select an existing platform that is similar to the new target account platform and then click Duplicate; name the new platform.
C. From PrivateArk, copy/paste the appropriate settings in PVConfiguration.xml; then update the policyName variable.
D. From the PVWA, navigate to the platforms page, select an existing platform that is similar to the new target account platform, manually update the platform settings and click "Save as" INSTEAD of save to duplicate and rename the platform.

Correct Answer B

Explanation:
CyberArk offers a user-friendly way to manage platforms through the Password Vault Web Access (PVWA) interface, especially in recent versions. If you're creating a new platform that closely resembles an existing one (for example, for a similar OS or system type with slight variations), duplicating an existing platform is often the most efficient approach.

Here's a breakdown of the options:

• A. From PrivateArk, copy/paste the appropriate Policy.ini file; then rename it.
  Incorrect. This method is outdated and error-prone. While it’s possible to copy policy files manually via PrivateArk, it's not considered best practice due to version control and dependency management complexities. PVWA provides safer and more structured handling of platform duplication.

• B. From the PVWA, navigate to the platforms page, select an existing platform that is similar to the new target account platform and then click Duplicate; name the new platform.
  Correct. This is the recommended and easiest method. CyberArk's PVWA includes a “Duplicate” button when managing platforms, making it quick and efficient to clone an existing platform. You can then rename and modify it as needed. This ensures consistency and avoids manual configuration mistakes.
  
  

• C. From PrivateArk, copy/paste the appropriate settings in PVConfiguration.xml; then update the policyName variable.
  Incorrect. This method involves editing sensitive configuration files directly, which is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. It’s also not the simplest way.

• D. From the PVWA, manually update and “Save as” instead of “Save.”
  Incorrect. Although “Save as” could technically create a new version, it’s not the same as using the “Duplicate” option designed specifically for platform cloning. “Save as” may not preserve all necessary platform linkages and could lead to confusion or unintended edits.

The easiest and safest way to duplicate a platform is to use the “Duplicate” function from the PVWA interface, making B the best choice.

Question 4
Which two types of privileged accounts can be managed by CyberArk’s Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution? (Choose 2.)

A. System administrator accounts
B. Service accounts
C. End user accounts
D. Application accounts
E. Domain administrator accounts

Correct answers: A, E

Explanation:
CyberArk's Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution is designed to secure, monitor, and manage privileged accounts across enterprise IT environments. These privileged accounts have elevated access rights that can be exploited if not properly secured. Two major types of privileged accounts that CyberArk commonly manages are system administrator accounts and domain administrator accounts.

System administrator accounts are used to manage the core operating systems and servers. These accounts typically have root or administrative privileges, making them capable of performing any task on a system, including installing software, configuring settings, and accessing sensitive data. Because of their high level of access, they are considered high-risk accounts and are a primary focus of PAM solutions.

Domain administrator accounts are even more powerful in a networked environment. In Active Directory or similar domain-based systems, domain admins have control over all machines and user accounts within the domain. If a domain admin account is compromised, the attacker gains access to the entire enterprise infrastructure. For this reason, CyberArk includes specialized tools and workflows to secure and audit domain administrator access.

Service accounts and application accounts, while also privileged in many contexts, are typically handled through more specific modules or extensions of PAM platforms. These may be addressed by CyberArk but are not always the primary account types managed by default. End user accounts, on the other hand, are generally not privileged and are outside the scope of most PAM implementations unless they have been granted administrative privileges.

By focusing on high-risk accounts such as system administrator and domain administrator accounts, CyberArk helps organizations enforce least-privilege policies, reduce the attack surface, and meet compliance requirements. Proper management includes credential rotation, session recording, access approval workflows, and detailed auditing. These features help detect and prevent unauthorized access, insider threats, and lateral movement by attackers.

Question 5 :
How can you disable session monitoring and recording for 500 test accounts used in a lab environment, given storage limitations?

A. Master Policy > select Session Management > add Exceptions to the platform(s) > disable Session Monitoring and Recording policies
B. Administration > Platform Management > select the platform(s) > disable Session Monitoring and Recording
C. Policies > Access Control (Safes) > select the safe(s) > disable Session Monitoring and Recording policies
D. Administration > Configuration Options > Options > select Privilege Session Management > disable Session Monitoring and Recording policies

Correct Answer A

Explanation:
In CyberArk, session monitoring and recording are governed by the Master Policy, which serves as a centralized control point. While the Master Policy defines overarching rules (e.g., whether to monitor and record sessions), exceptions can be applied to specific platforms, which is particularly useful when you need to exempt a group of accounts or systems, such as test users.

Here's a breakdown of each option:

• A. Master Policy > select Session Management > add Exceptions to the platform(s) > disable Session Monitoring and Recording policies
  Correct. This is the recommended and most scalable method to handle your use case. The Master Policy applies rules globally, but it allows platform-level exceptions. You can configure exceptions for the specific platforms associated with the 500 test accounts. Disabling monitoring and recording in these platform exceptions overrides the Master Policy's default enforcement—achieving exactly what you need without affecting production accounts.

• B. Administration > Platform Management > select the platform(s) > disable Session Monitoring and Recording
  Incorrect. Platform-level configurations alone do not override Master Policy settings unless an exception is explicitly added in the Master Policy. Simply editing the platform won't have the intended effect unless the Master Policy allows exceptions for those features.

• C. Policies > Access Control (Safes) > select the safe(s) > disable Session Monitoring and Recording policies
  Incorrect. Safe-level permissions govern who can access accounts and what operations they can perform (e.g., retrieve, initiate session), not whether those sessions are monitored or recorded. Session recording is not controlled at the safe level.

• D. Administration > Configuration Options > Options > select Privilege Session Management > disable Session Monitoring and Recording policies
  Incorrect. This changes global configuration settings and is not suitable for disabling monitoring for a specific subset of accounts (like your 500 test users). It would impact all accounts, which is not what the question is asking for

To disable session monitoring and recording only for a specific subset of accounts, such as test users, without affecting production users, you should use platform-level exceptions in the Master Policy, making A the correct answer.

Question 6 :
A user needs password access that is protected by dual-control. The Vault Admin must determine who can approve the request. Where can the admin find the list of authorized approvers?

A. PVWA > Administration > Platform Configuration > Edit Platform > UI & Workflow > Dual Control > Approvers
B. PVWA > Policies > Access Control (Safes) > Select the safe > Safe Members > Workflow > Authorize Password Requests
C. PVWA > Account List > Edit > Show Advanced Settings > Dual Control > Direct Managers
D. PrivateArk > Admin Tools > Users and Groups > Auditors (Group Membership)

Correct Answer B

Explanation:
CyberArk’s dual-control feature requires approval before a user can access a password. The users or groups authorized to approve such requests are not configured at the platform or account level, but at the safe level, under workflow permissions.

Let’s review each option:

• A. PVWA > Administration > Platform Configuration > Edit Platform > UI & Workflow > Dual Control > Approvers
  Incorrect. While the platform configuration does control some behavior of password access and workflow UI, approvers are not defined here. Approver settings are not platform-specific but are part of Safe Access Control settings.

• B. PVWA > Policies > Access Control (Safes) > Select the safe > Safe Members > Workflow > Authorize Password Requests
  Correct. This is the correct location. In the Safe's settings under "Safe Members," each user or group can be assigned specific workflow-related permissions, such as “Authorize Password Requests” — which is the relevant permission for dual-control approval. This is where the Vault Admin should look to determine who can approve a dual-control password access request.

• C. PVWA > Account List > Edit > Show Advanced Settings > Dual Control > Direct Managers
  Incorrect. While "Direct Managers" could be related to other approval workflows (e.g., based on directory structure), they are not the mechanism used by CyberArk to manage dual-control. Dual-control strictly operates through safe permissions, not account settings.

• D. PrivateArk > Admin Tools > Users and Groups > Auditors (Group Membership)
  Incorrect. The Auditors group is used for compliance and oversight, not for approval of password access. Auditors typically have read-only access and do not participate in workflow approvals.

To determine who can approve a dual-control request, the Vault Admin should check Safe Members and their assigned workflow permissions. That makes B the correct answer.

Question 7 :
When setting up a discovery scan for UNIX systems in CyberArk, which two components are required?

A. Vault Administrator
B. CPM Scanner
C. root password for each machine
D. list of machines to scan
E. safe for discovered accounts

Correct Answer D and E

Explanation:

When performing a UNIX Discovery Scan in CyberArk, the system needs to know which machines to scan and where to store discovered accounts. Let’s break down each option:

• A. Vault Administrator
  Incorrect.
  You do not need to specify a Vault Administrator to run a scan. While a user with appropriate permissions (like a Discovery Manager or Auditor) is needed, you do not need to assign the Vault Admin role specifically.

• B. CPM Scanner
  Incorrect.
  The CPM (Central Policy Manager) is used to manage passwords after they are discovered and onboarded. It is not a required input during the initial discovery scan setup.

• C. root password for each machine
  Incorrect.
  The discovery scan doesn’t need the root password of each target machine in advance. The purpose of the discovery process is to identify accounts and then onboard them — not to access them initially with root credentials.

• D. list of machines to scan
  Correct.
  CyberArk must know which UNIX machines to scan. This is typically done by specifying hostnames, IP addresses, or IP ranges.

• E. safe for discovered accounts
  Correct.
  You must specify which Safe to store the discovered accounts in. CyberArk Discovery and Onboarding automatically places found accounts into this Safe for further action and management.

Summary:
To successfully configure a UNIX discovery scan, CyberArk needs:

• A list of machines to scan (D)

• A Safe to store discovered accounts (E)

These inputs allow the scan to run and its results to be stored for further processing or onboarding.

Question 8 :
When modifying the safe that stores session recordings for a specific platform in CyberArk, which platform configuration setting should be updated?

A. SessionRecorderSafe
B. SessionSafe
C. RecordingsPath
D. RecordingLocation

Correct Answer A

Explanation:

CyberArk allows you to control where session recordings are stored by modifying settings in the platform configuration. These recordings are stored in Safes and can be directed to specific ones for organizational or compliance reasons.

Let’s analyze each option:

• A. SessionRecorderSafe
  Correct.
  This is the correct parameter in the platform settings that specifies which Safe to store the session recordings for accounts associated with the platform. If you need to redirect recordings to a different Safe (for example, due to storage policies or separation of duties), you update this field.

• B. SessionSafe
  Incorrect.
  This is not a valid platform setting. It may sound relevant, but SessionSafe is not used to define the storage of recordings.

• C. RecordingsPath
  Incorrect.
  This might appear to refer to a file path or location, but CyberArk does not use physical file paths in platform configuration to determine where to store session recordings—it uses Safes, which are logical containers in the Vault.

• D. RecordingLocation
  Incorrect.
  This is not a recognized parameter in CyberArk’s platform configuration. It’s a distractor option and does not control where session recordings are stored.

To redirect or manage where session recordings are stored for a given platform in CyberArk, update the SessionRecorderSafe parameter in the platform configuration.

Question 9 :
Which two security practices help reduce the risk of credential theft in a privileged access management environment?

A. Require dual control password access approval
B. Require password change every X days
C. Enforce check-in/check-out exclusive access
D. Enforce one-time password access

Correct Answers: C and D

Explanation:

Credential theft can occur when passwords are reused, stored insecurely, or shared in an uncontrolled manner. Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions like CyberArk include multiple layered controls to mitigate this risk.

Let’s break down each option:

• A. Require dual control password access approval
  Incorrect.
  While dual control improves oversight and accountability, it doesn’t directly prevent credential theft. It’s useful in ensuring authorization for access but does not inherently reduce the chance of credentials being stolen or misused after access is granted.

• B. Require password change every X days
  Incorrect.
  Regular password rotation helps minimize the impact of a compromised credential, but it is not as effective as implementing one-time passwords or strict usage control. Additionally, if passwords are shared or exposed between rotations, the risk persists.

• C. Enforce check-in/check-out exclusive access
  Correct.
  This ensures that only one user can use a credential at any given time. It helps track usage and prevent simultaneous unauthorized access, reducing the likelihood of stealthy credential theft.
  
  

• D. Enforce one-time password access
  Correct.
  One-time passwords (OTPs) invalidate after a single use. This control is highly effective in reducing credential theft because even if a password is stolen, it cannot be reused. It's one of the strongest defenses in PAM.

• C. ensures controlled, auditable use of credentials

• D. renders stolen credentials useless after one use

Both are highly effective preventive security controls against credential theft.

Question 10 :
You are onboarding 5,000 UNIX root accounts for CPM rotation, but direct login as root is not possible. Instead, a secondary account must be used to perform password changes. 

How do you configure this setup to support least privilege and allow CPM to manage passwords?

A. Configure each CPM to use the correct logon account
B. Configure each CPM to use the correct reconcile account
C. Configure the UNIX platform to use the correct logon account
D. Configure the UNIX platform to use the correct reconcile account

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In CyberArk, when the Central Policy Manager (CPM) cannot log in directly as the target account (e.g., root) to rotate its password, a reconcile account can be used. This account must have sufficient privileges to change the password of the target (managed) account.

Why D is Correct:

• The reconcile account is specifically designed for password management scenarios where direct login to the target account is not permitted or feasible.

• In this case, root access is restricted, so CyberArk must use another account (e.g., a sudo-enabled account) to log in and reset the root password.

• This approach supports the principle of least privilege, as the reconcile account only requires enough privilege to rotate passwords—not full access.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

• A. Configure each CPM to use the correct logon account
  Incorrect. CPMs don't use logon accounts per target account. Instead, platforms determine behavior like logon credentials and reconcile usage.

• B. Configure each CPM to use the correct reconcile account
  Incorrect. Again, CPMs don't manage account-specific configurations—platforms do. The reconcile account is specified within the platform and account configuration, not per CPM.

• C. Configure the UNIX platform to use the correct logon account
  Incorrect. The logon account is for regular access, not password rotation. To rotate a password without logging in directly as root, you need a reconcile account, not just a logon account.

To securely rotate passwords for accounts like root where direct login isn’t permitted, you must configure the UNIX platform to use a reconcile account that has the necessary privileges to perform the password change, without granting broader access than needed.