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ISACA CCOA Exam Questions
ISACA Certified Cybersecurity Operations Analyst (Page 4 )

Updated On: 21-Feb-2026
Page 4 of 29
PDF with 139 Questions

Target discovery and service enumeration would MOST likely be used by an attacker who has the initial objective of:

  1. corrupting process memory, likely resulting in system Instability.
  2. port scanning to identify potential attack vectors.
  3. deploying and maintaining backdoor system access.
  4. gaining privileged access in a complex network environment.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Target discovery and service enumeration are fundamental steps in the reconnaissance phase of an attack. An attacker typically:

Discovers Hosts and Services: Identifies active devices and open ports on a network.

Enumerates Services: Determines which services are running on open ports to understand possible entry points.

Identify Attack Vectors: Once services are mapped, attackers look for vulnerabilities specific to those services.

Tools: Attackers commonly use tools like Nmap or Masscan for port scanning and enumeration.

Other options analysis:

A . Corrupting process memory: Typically associated with exploitation rather than reconnaissance.

C . Deploying backdoors: This occurs after gaining access, not during the initial discovery phase.

D . Gaining privileged access: Typically follows successful exploitation, not discovery.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 6: Threat Hunting and Reconnaissance: Covers methods used for identifying attack surfaces.

Chapter 8: Network Scanning Techniques: Details how attackers use scanning tools to identify open ports and services.



Which of the following is the MOST effective approach for tracking vulnerabilities in an organization's systems and applications?

  1. Walt for external security researchers to report vulnerabilities
  2. Rely on employees to report any vulnerabilities they encounter.
  3. Implement regular vulnerability scanning and assessments.
  4. Track only those vulnerabilities that have been publicly disclosed.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The most effective approach to tracking vulnerabilities is to regularly perform vulnerability scans and assessments because:

Proactive Identification: Regular scanning detects newly introduced vulnerabilities from software updates or configuration changes.

Automated Monitoring: Modern scanning tools (like Nessus or OpenVAS) can automatically identify vulnerabilities in systems and applications.

Assessment Reports: Provide prioritized lists of discovered vulnerabilities, helping IT teams address the most critical issues first.

Compliance and Risk Management: Routine scans are essential for maintaining security baselines and compliance with standards (like PCI-DSS or ISO 27001).

Other options analysis:

A . Wait for external reports: Reactive and risky, as vulnerabilities might remain unpatched.

B . Rely on employee reporting: Inconsistent and unlikely to cover all vulnerabilities.

D . Track only public vulnerabilities: Ignores zero-day and privately disclosed issues.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 6: Vulnerability Management: Emphasizes continuous scanning as a critical part of risk mitigation.

Chapter 9: Security Monitoring Practices: Discusses automated scanning and vulnerability tracking.



A small organization has identified a potential risk associated with its outdated backup system and has decided to implement a new cloud-based real-time backup system to reduce the likelihood of data loss.
Which of the following risk responses has the organization chosen?

  1. Risk mitigation
  2. Risk avoidance
  3. Risk transfer
  4. Risk acceptance

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

The organization is implementing a new cloud-based real-time backup system to reduce the likelihood of data loss, which is an example of risk mitigation because:

Reducing Risk Impact: By upgrading from an outdated system, the organization minimizes the potential consequences of data loss.

Implementing Controls: The new backup system is a proactive control measure designed to decrease the risk.

Enhancing Recovery Capabilities: Real-time backups ensure that data remains intact and recoverable even in case of a failure.

Other options analysis:

B . Risk avoidance: Involves eliminating the risk entirely, not just reducing it.

C . Risk transfer: Typically involves shifting the risk to a third party (like insurance), not implementing technical controls.

D . Risk acceptance: Involves acknowledging the risk without implementing changes.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 5: Risk Management: Clearly differentiates between mitigation, avoidance, transfer, and acceptance.

Chapter 7: Backup and Recovery Planning: Discusses modern data protection strategies and their risk implications.



Which of the following is the BEST way for an organization to balance cybersecurity risks and address compliance requirements?

  1. Accept that compliance requirements may conflict with business needs and operate in a diminished capacity to achieve compliance.
  2. Meet the minimum standards for the compliance requirements to ensure minimal impact to business operations,
  3. Evaluate compliance requirements in the context at business objectives to ensure requirements can be implemented appropriately.
  4. Implement only the compliance requirements that do not Impede business functions or affect cybersecurity risk.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Balancing cybersecurity risks with compliance requirements requires a strategic approach that aligns security practices with business goals. The best way to achieve this is to:

Contextual Evaluation: Assess compliance requirements in relation to the organization's operational needs and objectives.

Risk-Based Approach: Instead of blindly following standards, integrate them within the existing risk management framework.

Custom Implementation: Tailor compliance controls to ensure they do not hinder critical business functions while maintaining security.

Stakeholder Involvement: Engage business units to understand how compliance can be integrated smoothly.

Other options analysis:

A . Accept compliance conflicts: This is a defeatist approach and does not resolve the underlying issue.

B . Meet minimum standards: This might leave gaps in security and does not foster a comprehensive risk-based approach.

D . Implement only non-impeding requirements: Selectively implementing compliance controls can lead to critical vulnerabilities.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 2: Governance and Risk Management: Discusses aligning compliance with business objectives.

Chapter 5: Risk Management Strategies: Emphasizes a balanced approach to security and compliance.



Which of the following MOST effectively minimizes the impact of a control failure?

  1. Business continuity plan [BCP
  2. Business impact analysis (B1A)
  3. Defense in depth
  4. Information security policy

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The most effective way to minimize the impact of a control failure is to employ Defense in Depth, which involves:

Layered Security Controls: Implementing multiple, overlapping security measures to protect assets.

Redundancy: If one control fails (e.g., a firewall), others (like IDS, endpoint protection, and network monitoring) continue to provide protection.

Minimizing Single Points of Failure: By diversifying security measures, no single failure will compromise the entire system.

Adaptive Security Posture: Layered defenses allow quick adjustments and contain threats.

Other options analysis:

A . Business continuity plan (BCP): Focuses on maintaining operations after an incident, not directly on minimizing control failures.

B . Business impact analysis (BIA): Identifies potential impacts but does not reduce failure impact directly.

D . Information security policy: Guides security practices but does not provide practical mitigation during a failure.

CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition


Reference:

Chapter 7: Defense in Depth Strategies: Emphasizes the importance of layering controls to reduce failure impacts.

Chapter 9: Incident Response and Mitigation: Explains how defense in depth supports resilience.






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