Important Eccouncil 312-85 Exam Questions

Answer: C

Explanation:

The threat modeling methodology employed by Lizzy, which involves building asset-based threat profiles, identifying infrastructure vulnerabilities, and developing security strategies and plans, aligns with the OCTAVE (Operationally Critical Threat, Asset, and Vulnerability Evaluation) methodology. OCTAVE focuses on organizational risk and security practices, emphasizing self-directed risk assessments to identify and prioritize threats to organizational assets and develop appropriate security strategies and plans. This methodology is asset-driven and revolves around understanding critical assets, identifying threats to those assets, and assessing vulnerabilities, leading to the development of a comprehensive security strategy. Reference:

The CERT Guide to System and Network Security Practices by Julia H. Allen

'OCTAVE Method Implementation Guide Version 2.0,' Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute

Answer: B

Explanation:

True attribution in the context of cyber threats involves identifying the actual individual, group, or nation-state behind an attack or intrusion. This type of attribution goes beyond associating an attack with certain tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) or a known group and aims to pinpoint the real-world entity responsible. True attribution is challenging due to the anonymity of the internet and the use of obfuscation techniques by attackers, but it is crucial for understanding the motive behind an attack and for forming appropriate responses at diplomatic, law enforcement, or cybersecurity levels. Reference:

'Attribution of Cyber Attacks: A Framework for an Evidence-Based Analysis' by Jason Healey

'The Challenges of Attribution in Cyberspace' in the Journal of Cyber Policy

Answer: B

Explanation:

A gateway in a network functions as a node that routes traffic between different networks, such as from a local network to the internet. In the context of cyber threats, a gateway can be utilized to monitor and control the data flow to and from the network, helping in the identification and analysis of malware communications, including traffic to external command and control (C2) servers. This makes it an essential component in detecting installed malware within a network by observing anomalies or unauthorized communications at the network's boundary. Unlike repeaters, hubs, or network interface cards (NICs) that primarily facilitate network connectivity without analyzing the traffic, gateways can enforce security policies and detect suspicious activities. Reference:

'Network Security Basics,' Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals

'Malware Command and Control Channels: A Journey,' SANS Institute InfoSec Reading Room

Answer: C

Explanation:

Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) is an analytic process designed to help an analyst or a team of analysts evaluate multiple competing hypotheses on an issue fairly and objectively. ACH assists in identifying and analyzing the evidence for and against each hypothesis, ultimately aiding in determining the most likely explanation. In the scenario where a team of threat intelligence analysts has various theories on a particular malware, ACH would be the most appropriate method to assess these competing theories systematically. ACH involves listing all possible hypotheses, collecting data and evidence, and assessing the evidence's consistency with each hypothesis. This process helps in minimizing cognitive biases and making a more informed decision on the most consistent theory. Reference:

Richards J. Heuer Jr., 'Psychology of Intelligence Analysis,' Central Intelligence Agency

'A Tradecraft Primer: Structured Analytic Techniques for Improving Intelligence Analysis,' Central Intelligence Agency

Answer: B

Explanation:

A zero-day attack exploits vulnerabilities in software or hardware that are unknown to the vendor or for which a patch has not yet been released. These attacks are particularly dangerous because they take advantage of the window of time between the vulnerability's discovery and the availability of a fix, leaving systems exposed to potential exploitation. Zero-day attacks require a proactive and comprehensive approach to security, including the use of advanced threat detection systems and threat intelligence to identify and mitigate potential threats before they can be exploited. Reference:

'Understanding Zero-Day Exploits,' by MITRE

'Zero-Day Threats: What They Are and How to Protect Against Them,' by Symantec