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ISACA CCOA Exam Questions
ISACA Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (Page 3 )

Updated On: 21-Feb-2026
Page 3 of 29
PDF with 139 Questions

An organization was breached via a web application attack to a database in which user inputs were not validated. This can BEST be described as which type of attack?

  1. Broken access control
  2. Infection
  3. Buffer overflow
  4. X-Path

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The described scenario indicates a Injection (i) attack, where the attacker exploits insufficient input validation in a web application to manipulate queries. This type of attack falls under the category of Broken Access Control because:

Improper Input Handling: The application fails to properly sanitize or validate user inputs, allowing malicious commands to execute.

Direct Database Manipulation: Attackers can bypass normal authentication or gain elevated access by injecting code.

OWASP Top Ten 2021: Lists Broken Access Control as a critical risk, often leading to data breaches when input validation is weak.

Other options analysis:

B . Infection: Typically involves malware, which is not relevant here.

C . Buffer overflow: Involves memory management errors, not manipulation.

D . X-Path: Involves XML query manipulation, not databases.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 4: Web Application Security: Discusses Injection as a common form of broken access control.

Chapter 9: Secure Coding and Development: Stresses the importance of input validation to prevent i.



Which of the following is a KEY difference between traditional deployment methods and continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD)?

  1. CI/CD decreases the frequency of updates.
  2. CI/CD decreases the amount of testing.
  3. CI/CD increases the number of errors.
  4. CI/CD Increases the speed of feedback.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

The key difference between traditional deployment methods and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) is the speed and frequency of feedback during the software development lifecycle.

Traditional Deployment: Typically follows a linear, staged approach (e.g., development testing deployment), often resulting in slower feedback loops.

CI/CD Pipelines: Integrate automated testing and deployment processes, allowing developers to quickly identify and resolve issues.

Speed of Feedback: CI/CD tools automatically test code changes upon each commit, providing near- instant feedback. This drastically reduces the time between code changes and error detection.

Rapid Iteration: Teams can immediately address issues, making the development process more efficient and resilient.

Other options analysis:

A . CI/CD decreases the frequency of updates: CI/CD actually increases the frequency of updates by automating the deployment process.

B . CI/CD decreases the amount of testing: CI/CD usually increases testing by integrating automated tests throughout the pipeline.

C . CI/CD increases the number of errors: Proper CI/CD practices reduce errors by catching them early.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 10: Secure DevOps and CI/CD Practices: Discusses how CI/CD improves feedback and rapid bug fixing.

Chapter 7: Automation in Security Operations: Highlights the benefits of automated testing in CI/CD environments.



Exposing the session identifier in a URL is an example of which web application-specific risk?

  1. Cryptographic failures
  2. Insecure design and implementation
  3. Identification and authentication failures
  4. Broken access control

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Exposing the session identifier in a URL is a classic example of an identification and authentication failure because:

Session Hijacking Risk: Attackers can intercept session IDs when exposed in URLs, especially through techniques like referrer header leaks or logs.

Session Fixation: If the session ID is predictable or accessible, attackers can force a user to log in with a known ID.

OWASP Top Ten 2021 - Identification and Authentication Failures (A07): Exposing session identifiers makes it easier for attackers to impersonate users.

Secure Implementation: Best practices dictate storing session IDs in HTTP-only cookies rather than in URLs to prevent exposure.

Other options analysis:

A . Cryptographic failures: This risk involves improper encryption practices, not session management.

B . Insecure design and implementation: Broad category, but this specific flaw is more aligned with authentication issues.

D . Broken access control: Involves authorization flaws rather than authentication or session handling.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 4: Web Application Security: Covers session management best practices and related vulnerabilities.

Chapter 8: Application Security Testing: Discusses testing for session-related flaws.



Cyber threat intelligence is MOST important for:

  1. performing root cause analysis for cyber attacks.
  2. configuring SIEM systems and endpoints.
  3. recommending best practices for database security.
  4. revealing adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) is primarily focused on understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by adversaries. The goal is to gain insights into:

Attack Patterns: How cybercriminals or threat actors operate.

Indicators of Compromise (IOCs): Data related to attacks, such as IP addresses or domain names.

Threat Actor Profiles: Understanding motives and methods.

Operational Threat Hunting: Using intelligence to proactively search for threats in an environment.

Decision Support: Assisting SOC teams and management in making informed security decisions.

Other options analysis:

A . Performing root cause analysis for cyber attacks: While CTI can inform such analysis, it is not the primary purpose.

B . Configuring SIEM systems and endpoints: CTI can support configuration, but that is not its main function.

C . Recommending best practices for database security: CTI is more focused on threat analysis rather than specific security configurations.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 6: Threat Intelligence and Analysis: Explains how CTI is used to reveal adversarial TTPs.

Chapter 9: Threat Intelligence in Incident Response: Highlights how CTI helps identify emerging threats.



Which of the following is the MOST effective way to obtain business owner approval of cybersecurity initiatives across an organisation?

  1. Provide data classifications.
  2. Create a steering committee.
  3. Generate progress reports.
  4. Conduct an Internal audit.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The most effective way to obtain business owner approval for cybersecurity initiatives is to create a steering committee that includes key stakeholders from different departments. This approach works because:

Inclusive Decision-Making: Involving business owners in a structured committee fosters collaboration and buy-in.

Alignment with Business Goals: A steering committee ensures that cybersecurity initiatives align with the organization's strategic objectives.

Regular Communication: Provides a formal platform to present cybersecurity challenges, proposed solutions, and progress updates.

Informed Decisions: Business owners are more likely to support initiatives when they understand the risks and benefits.

Consensus Building: A committee fosters a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for cybersecurity.

Other options analysis:

A . Provide data classifications: While useful for identifying data sensitivity, this alone does not directly gain approval.

C . Generate progress reports: These are informative but lack the strategic collaboration needed for decision-making.

D . Conduct an Internal audit: Helps assess current security posture but does not engage business owners proactively.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 2: Governance and Management: Discusses forming committees for cross-functional decision-making.

Chapter 5: Risk Management Strategies: Emphasizes stakeholder engagement through structured groups.






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