PCCP Exam Dumps - Paloalto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate Questions and Answers

Application allow listing is a security practice that permits only pre-approved (trusted) applications, files, and processes to run on a system. This approach helps prevent unauthorized or malicious software from executing, thereby reducing the attack surface.

Heap spray attacks exploit memory management vulnerabilities by injecting malicious code into a program’s heap to manipulate execution flow. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) platforms monitor memory and process behavior on endpoints, enabling the detection of such memory-based exploits through anomaly and behavior analysis. Palo Alto Networks’ Cortex XDR equips SOC teams with the tools to detect, analyze, and respond to heap spray and other in-memory attacks on company laptops in real time. EDR’s endpoint-centric visibility is crucial since heap spray attacks operate below network layers and often bypass traditional perimeter defenses.

Malicious Portable Executable (PE) files hidden inside PDFs represent a stealthy delivery tactic where attackers embed executable payloads within seemingly benign documents. When a user opens the PDF, the embedded PE executes, potentially installing malware. This approach combines social engineering with file obfuscation to bypass traditional detection methods. Palo Alto Networks’ Advanced WildFire sandboxing inspects such files by detonating them in isolated environments to observe behavior and identify hidden threats. This detection technique is critical for uncovering evasive malware concealed within common file types before they reach end-users.

Multiple attack vectors – APTs often use various methods (phishing, malware, lateral movement) to infiltrate and maintain access to a target.

Repeated pursuit of objective – APTs are known for their persistent nature, involving continuous efforts over time to achieve their goals, such as data theft or surveillance.

An Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) includes automated security actions, such as blocking malicious traffic, resetting connections, or alerting administrators when it detects suspicious activity, helping to stop attacks in real time.

Authorization is the component of the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) framework that regulates user access and permissions to resources after identity has been verified. It determines what actions or resources a user is allowed to access.

Virtual firewalls offer the advantage of dynamic scalability, making them ideal for internal segmentation in data centers. They can be quickly deployed, resized, and adjusted to meet the needs of changing workloads and environments, unlike physical firewalls which require fixed hardware resources.

In a host-based architecture, the server (host) handles all processing tasks, while the client mainly provides input/output. This centralizes control, processing, and data storage on the server, reducing the client’s role to that of a terminal.

An effective Attack Surface Management (ASM) process requires a real-time, data-rich inventory of all internet-facing assets. This enables continuous visibility, timely detection of vulnerabilities, and identification of exposures that attackers could exploit.

Pharming is an attack that redirects traffic from a legitimate website to a malicious fake website, typically by corrupting the DNS system or modifying host files, with the intent of stealing user credentials or sensitive data.