Free ISACA CCOA Exam Questions (page: 4)

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.



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.






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