Module III Certification Quiz Part 2

The System log shows when the workstation was last shutdown. This log contains information about system events, including shutdown and startup events. By checking the System log, one can find the timestamp of the last shutdown event, indicating when the workstation was last turned off. The Security log records security-related events, the Application log contains information about application events, and the DHCP log logs DHCP server-related events.

The first action to take when an unauthorized user has accessed the network is to contain the problem. This means isolating the affected systems or network segments to prevent further unauthorized access or damage. By containing the problem, the administrator can limit the potential impact and prevent the unauthorized user from causing further harm. Once the problem is contained, further actions such as determining the business impact, notifying management, and contacting law enforcement officials can be taken to address the situation effectively.

A honeynet is a collection of servers that are intentionally set up to attract hackers. It is designed to gather information about their tactics, techniques, and motives. By luring hackers into the honeynet, organizations can study their behavior, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to enhance their cybersecurity defenses. Unlike a honeypot, which is a single decoy system, a honeynet consists of multiple interconnected systems that mimic a real network environment. This allows for a more comprehensive analysis of hacker activities and provides valuable insights for improving overall network security.

John the Ripper is a well-known password cracking tool that is available worldwide over the Internet. It is used by security professionals and hackers to test the strength of passwords by attempting to crack them. Nessus is a vulnerability scanning tool, AirSnort is a wireless LAN tool, and Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer. However, only John the Ripper is specifically designed for password cracking.

After applying a security patch to address vulnerabilities, the next step should be to repeat the vulnerability scan. This is necessary to verify whether the patch was successful in removing the identified vulnerabilities. By conducting another vulnerability scan, any remaining vulnerabilities can be identified and addressed, ensuring that the system is secure.

The technician should recommend changing the user rights and security groups to address the problem of many users having access to the company's accounting information. By adjusting the user rights and security groups, the technician can restrict access to only those individuals who need it for their job roles, thus reducing the risk of unauthorized access and potential misuse of sensitive financial data. This solution focuses on controlling user privileges and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to critical information.

A protocol analyzer is a tool that captures and analyzes network traffic, allowing the organization to monitor all data packets as they traverse the network. This tool helps in identifying and troubleshooting network issues, detecting security threats, and monitoring network performance. It provides detailed information about the protocols, source and destination IP addresses, ports, and other relevant data. Therefore, a protocol analyzer is the most suitable item for the organization to monitor all network traffic effectively.

The correct answer is to check the firewall logs first. Firewall logs provide information about network traffic, including any attempts to access the network from the Internet. By analyzing the firewall logs, the network technician can identify the source of the intrusion, the type of attack, and any potential vulnerabilities that were exploited. This information is crucial for taking appropriate measures to mitigate the intrusion and strengthen the network's security.

A vulnerability scanner is used to identify open ports on a system. Open ports can be potential entry points for attackers to exploit and gain unauthorized access to a system. By scanning for open ports, organizations can identify any vulnerabilities and take necessary actions to secure their systems. This helps in preventing unauthorized access and protecting sensitive information from being compromised.

A protocol analyzer is the most appropriate assessment tool for determining if a password is being sent across the network in clear text. A protocol analyzer allows the user to capture and analyze network traffic, including the contents of packets being sent over the network. By examining the captured packets, it is possible to identify if a password is being transmitted without encryption, which would indicate that it is being sent in clear text. Password cracker tools are used to guess or crack passwords, vulnerability scanners are used to identify security vulnerabilities, and port scanners are used to identify open ports on a network.

Firewall logs are the best place to look for information in this scenario because they record all incoming and outgoing network traffic, including any attempts to access remote locations. By analyzing the firewall logs, Tom can identify any suspicious or unauthorized connections to remote locations during off hours, which would indicate the copying of files. The other options, such as antivirus logs, DNS logs, and intrusion detection logs, may provide some information, but they are less likely to capture the specific activity of file copying to a remote location.

CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable) is a type of removable media that can only be written to once. It is a suitable option for archiving security logs because once the logs are written onto the CD-R, they cannot be altered or modified, ensuring the integrity and security of the data. CD-Rs are also relatively inexpensive and have a long lifespan, making them a reliable choice for long-term storage and archiving purposes.

Firewall logs would be the most effective item to confirm the administrator's suspicions. Firewall logs can provide information about the incoming and outgoing network traffic, including IP addresses and ports. By analyzing the firewall logs, the administrator can identify any suspicious or unauthorized connections from the internal network to external servers, which could indicate the presence of zombies participating in DDoS attacks. Additionally, the logs can provide insights into the type and volume of traffic, helping the administrator to further investigate and mitigate the issue.

The NIC should be placed in promiscuous mode to monitor all network traffic while placing a NIDS onto the network. In promiscuous mode, the NIC captures all network traffic, including packets not intended for the specific device. This allows the NIDS to analyze and detect any suspicious or malicious activity on the network, even if it is not directly targeted at the device where the NIDS is installed.

Enterprise performance monitoring software is the best tool to monitor changes to the approved system baseline because it is specifically designed to track and analyze the performance of an organization's systems and applications. This software can detect any changes or deviations from the baseline and provide real-time monitoring and alerts to ensure that the system is operating within the approved parameters. It can also provide detailed reports and analysis to help identify any performance issues or potential security breaches.

After implementing auditing on a file, the Security log will show unauthorized usage attempts. The Security log is specifically designed to record security-related events, such as unauthorized access attempts, failed logins, and other security breaches. By enabling auditing on a file, any unauthorized attempts to access or modify the file will be recorded in the Security log, providing a valuable source of information for investigating and preventing security incidents.

Copying or saving the logs to a remote log server is the best practice to secure log files. By doing so, the log files are stored in a separate location, reducing the risk of tampering or unauthorized access. It also allows for centralized monitoring and analysis of the logs, making it easier to detect and respond to security incidents. Denying administrators all access to log files may prevent write failures, but it also hinders the ability to investigate and troubleshoot issues. Changing security settings to avoid corruption is important, but it does not necessarily secure the log files. Logging all failed and successful login attempts is a good practice, but it alone does not fully secure the log files.

A protocol analyzer is a tool that can be used to review network traffic for clear text passwords. It captures and analyzes the data packets that are being transmitted over a network, allowing the user to inspect the contents of these packets. By using a protocol analyzer, one can identify any clear text passwords that are being sent across the network, which can help in identifying potential security vulnerabilities and taking appropriate measures to secure the network.

The given scenario describes John using a tool to check various types of network packets, such as SMTP, DNS, POP3, and ICMP. This indicates that John is using a protocol analyzer. A protocol analyzer is a tool used to capture, analyze, and interpret network traffic, allowing network administrators to troubleshoot network issues and monitor network performance. It helps in identifying and diagnosing problems related to specific protocols, such as SMTP, DNS, POP3, and ICMP, which are mentioned in the scenario. Therefore, the correct answer is a protocol analyzer.

Penetration testing involves simulating an actual attack on a network to identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It is a proactive approach to assess the security of a system by attempting to exploit its vulnerabilities in a controlled environment. This helps organizations identify potential entry points that could be exploited by malicious actors and allows them to strengthen their security measures accordingly. Penetration testing is an essential practice to ensure the overall security and integrity of a network.

When an audit fails in an information system, it is important to notify the appropriate personnel. Sending an alert allows the necessary individuals to be informed about the failure, enabling them to take appropriate action. This could involve investigating the cause of the failure, implementing necessary security measures, or addressing any potential vulnerabilities in the system. It is crucial to promptly notify the appropriate personnel so that they can respond effectively and mitigate any potential risks or threats to the system's security.

A honeynet is a collection of servers set up with the intention of attracting hackers. It is designed to mimic a real network and contains valuable or enticing information to lure hackers. The purpose of a honeynet is to study and analyze hacker behavior, techniques, and vulnerabilities, in order to enhance network security and develop effective countermeasures. Honeypots, on the other hand, are individual systems or services within a network that are used to attract and trap hackers, while DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) and VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) are network security architectures that separate and isolate certain parts of a network.

A firewall is a security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. It is designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. As access control lists (ACLs) are a fundamental component of network security, a firewall log will reveal activities related to ACLs. This log will provide information about any attempts to access or modify permissions associated with objects, helping to identify potential security breaches or unauthorized actions.

Nessus is a vulnerability assessment tool used to identify vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in computer systems and networks. It scans for known vulnerabilities and provides detailed reports on the findings, allowing organizations to prioritize and address potential security risks. AirSnort is a tool used for wireless network auditing, John the Ripper is a password cracking tool, and Cain & Abel is a password recovery tool. Therefore, Nessus is the correct answer as it specifically focuses on vulnerability assessment.

WireShark is a protocol analyzer. It is a network analysis tool that allows users to capture and analyze network traffic in real-time. It helps in troubleshooting network issues, analyzing network protocols, and detecting security vulnerabilities. It can decode various protocols and display their details, making it a valuable tool for network administrators and security professionals.

A TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) SYN (Synchronize) scan can determine which ports are in a listening state on the network and can perform a two-way handshake. In this type of scan, the scanner sends a SYN packet to the target host's port. If the port is open and listening, the target host responds with a SYN-ACK packet. The scanner then sends an ACK packet to complete the handshake. If the port is closed, the target host responds with a RST packet. This scan is stealthy and commonly used for reconnaissance purposes as it does not complete the full three-way handshake.

A honeypot is a security mechanism that is used to attract and deceive attackers. It is designed to mimic a real system or network and lure attackers into interacting with it. By doing so, it allows administrators to observe and study the attack techniques and methods used by attackers. This helps in gaining valuable insights into their tactics and improving overall security measures.

Reviewing event logs regularly is the step that is most often overlooked during the auditing process. Event logs contain important information about system events and can help identify any suspicious or unauthorized activities. Regularly reviewing these logs allows auditors to detect any anomalies or potential security breaches. Neglecting this step can lead to missed opportunities to identify and address security issues, making it a critical oversight in the auditing process.

This scenario is an example of a vulnerability assessment because the outside auditor is specifically checking for weak passwords on the network. A vulnerability assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating potential vulnerabilities in a system or network to determine the level of risk. In this case, the auditor is using a password cracker to test the strength of the passwords in the master password file, which is a common method used in vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses in password security.

A protocol analyzer is a tool used to analyze network traffic and monitor the communication between devices. It captures and examines packets of data to identify any anomalies or issues in the network. Malformed or fragmented packets can indicate potential security vulnerabilities or attacks, such as packet injection or buffer overflow. Therefore, a protocol analyzer is most likely to detect many malformed or fragmented packets as they can be indicators of security-related anomalies.

Performing a vulnerability assessment is the most effective way for an administrator to determine what security holes reside on the network. A vulnerability assessment involves systematically scanning the network and its systems to identify any potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. This assessment helps in identifying security flaws, misconfigurations, and outdated software versions that could be potential entry points for attackers. By conducting a vulnerability assessment, administrators can prioritize and address these vulnerabilities to strengthen the network's security posture.

A HIDS (Host Intrusion Detection System) is installed to monitor system files. System files are critical components of a computer's operating system and contain important configuration and security information. By monitoring system files, a HIDS can detect any unauthorized changes or modifications that could indicate a potential intrusion or security breach. This allows the system administrator to take appropriate action to prevent further damage or compromise to the system.

An auditing system is necessary to detect intrusions on the files. This is because files contain important data and information that can be targeted by intruders. By monitoring and auditing the files, any unauthorized access or modifications can be detected and appropriate actions can be taken to prevent further damage or breaches in the system's security.

Running performance monitor can help determine the amount of CPU cycles being consumed. Performance monitor is a tool that allows users to monitor and analyze the performance of their computer system, including CPU usage. By running performance monitor, the network technician can track the CPU usage and identify any abnormal spikes or high usage that may indicate the presence of malware consuming CPU cycles and slowing down the system. This will help in diagnosing and addressing the issue.

External security testing is conducted from outside the organization's security perimeter. This means that the testing is done by individuals or teams who are not part of the organization and do not have access to the internal network or systems. By conducting the testing from outside the security perimeter, it allows for a more realistic simulation of potential external threats and vulnerabilities that the organization may face. This type of testing helps to identify weaknesses in the organization's external defenses and allows for the implementation of appropriate security measures to protect against external threats.

WireShark is a protocol analyzer. It is a widely used network analysis tool that allows users to capture and analyze network traffic. It helps in troubleshooting network issues, detecting network vulnerabilities, and analyzing network protocols.

A ping scanner is the correct answer because it uses ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) to send a ping request to a target IP address and receives a response. This allows the scanner to determine if the target IP address is reachable and estimate the round-trip time for the ping request. By analyzing the responses, the ping scanner can provide information about the network connectivity and identify potential issues or vulnerabilities.

HIDS, or Host-based Intrusion Detection System, should be used while monitoring application activity and modification. HIDS is a security solution that is installed on individual hosts or servers to monitor and analyze their activity for any signs of intrusion or unauthorized modifications. It is specifically designed to detect and respond to threats at the host level, providing real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities. By using HIDS, organizations can effectively detect and mitigate any suspicious or malicious activities happening within their applications, ensuring the security and integrity of their systems.

The correct answer is 65,535 ports. This is because TCP/IP uses a 16-bit field to represent the port number, which allows for a maximum of 65,535 ports. These ports are used for various purposes, such as communication between different applications and services on a network. However, not all of these ports are vulnerable to scanning, attacks, and exploitation. It depends on the specific configuration and security measures in place.

Implementing previous logon notification can help identify when unauthorized access has occurred. This method notifies the user whenever there is a login attempt made from a different device or location than the previous logon. By receiving these notifications, the user can quickly identify if someone else is trying to access their account without authorization. This can help prevent unauthorized access and allow the user to take necessary actions to protect their account.

A network scanner is a tool that can help a technician find all open ports on a network. It scans the network and identifies all active devices and the ports they have open. By using a network scanner, the technician can quickly identify any potential vulnerabilities or security risks on the network. This tool is commonly used for network troubleshooting, security audits, and monitoring network performance.

A performance baseline is the most effective way to determine abnormal network utilization because it provides a reference point for normal network traffic levels. By comparing current network traffic to the baseline, any significant deviation can be identified as abnormal utilization. Application logs, system monitors, and security logs may provide some insights into network activity, but they do not provide a comprehensive and objective measure of network utilization.

Malicious port scanning is a technique used by attackers to identify the operating system running on a target computer or network. By scanning the open ports on a system, attackers can gather information about the services and protocols being used, which can help them determine the operating system in use. This information is valuable for attackers as it allows them to exploit vulnerabilities specific to that operating system.

The penetration testing scope of work typically includes identifying vulnerabilities in a network. However, it does not involve creating a complete list of all network vulnerabilities. This is because new vulnerabilities can constantly emerge, and it is not feasible to create a comprehensive list. Instead, the focus is on identifying and addressing the vulnerabilities that are currently present in the network.

The correct answer is "A program that performs comparative analysis". This description suggests that a password cracker is a program that compares different combinations of characters or algorithms to determine the correct password. It does not specifically mention obtaining privileged access or reading password files, which are other possible functions of a password cracker.

A signature-based intrusion detection system (IDS) refers to a system that detects unwanted attempts at accessing, manipulating, and disabling computer systems by matching specific traffic patterns with known signatures or patterns of known attacks. It relies on a database of predefined signatures to identify malicious activity.

The target computer's audit logs would be the most useful in determining which internal user was the source of an attack that compromised another computer in its network. The audit logs on the target computer would contain information about the actions and activities performed on that specific computer, including any unauthorized access or suspicious activities. By analyzing these logs, it would be possible to track the actions of the attacker and identify the internal user responsible for the attack.

Port scanning is the best description for the attack that is occurring. Port scanning involves sending messages to each port on a host to determine which ports are open and can be probed further for weaknesses. This attack aims to enumerate the TCP and UDP application ports that are open on a host. DNS spoofing, PING sweep, and ARP poisoning are different types of attacks and not applicable to the given scenario.

Signature-based IDS is the most basic type of IDS. This type of IDS identifies known patterns or signatures of known attacks or malicious activities. It compares network traffic or system behavior against a database of predefined signatures to detect any matches. When a match is found, it triggers an alert or takes action to prevent the attack. Signature-based IDS is effective in detecting known attacks but may struggle with detecting new or unknown threats.

Signature-based NIDS configuration is solely based on specific network traffic. This configuration uses predefined patterns or signatures to identify known threats and malicious activity. It compares the network traffic against a database of signatures and if a match is found, it raises an alert. This approach is effective in detecting and preventing known attacks, but it may not be able to detect new or unknown threats.