CompTIA CAS-005 CompTIA SecurityX Certification Exam Practice Test

Answer : D

The most likely reason the device must be replaced is that the motherboard was not configured with a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) from the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) supplier.

Why TPM is Necessary for Full Disk Encryption:

Hardware-Based Security: TPM provides a hardware-based mechanism to store encryption keys securely, which is essential for full disk encryption.

Compatibility: Full disk encryption solutions, such as BitLocker, require TPM to ensure that the encryption keys are securely stored and managed.

Integrity Checks: TPM enables system integrity checks during boot, ensuring that the device has not been tampered with.

Other options do not directly address the requirement for TPM in supporting full disk encryption:

A . The HSM is outdated: While HSM (Hardware Security Module) is important for security, it is not typically used for full disk encryption.

B . The vTPM was not properly initialized: vTPM (virtual TPM) is less common and not typically a reason for requiring hardware replacement.

C . The HSM is vulnerable to common exploits: This would require a firmware upgrade, not replacement of the device.

E . The HSM does not support sealing storage: Sealing storage is relevant but not the primary reason for requiring TPM for full disk encryption.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide

'Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Overview,' Microsoft Documentation

'BitLocker Deployment Guide,' Microsoft Documentation

Answer : B, C

To reduce the risk of unauthorized BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) usage, the organization should implement Conditional Access and Network Access Control (NAC).

Why Conditional Access and NAC?

Conditional Access:

User-to-Device Binding: Conditional access policies can enforce that only registered and compliant devices are allowed to access corporate resources.

Context-Aware Security: Enforces access controls based on the context of the access attempt, such as user identity, device compliance, location, and more.

Network Access Control (NAC):

Device Configuration Requirements: NAC ensures that only devices meeting specific security configurations are allowed to connect to the network.

Access Control: Provides granular control over network access, ensuring that BYOD devices comply with security policies before gaining access.

Other options, while useful, do not address the specific need to control and secure BYOD devices effectively:

A . Cloud IAM to enforce token-based MFA: Enhances authentication security but does not control device compliance.

D . PAM to enforce local password policies: Focuses on privileged account management, not BYOD control.

E . SD-WAN to enforce web content filtering: Enhances network performance and security but does not enforce BYOD device compliance.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide

'Conditional Access Policies,' Microsoft Documentation

'Network Access Control (NAC),' Cisco Documentation

Answer : C, F

To provide secure access to internal and external cloud resources, eliminate split-tunnel traffic flows, and enable identity and access management capabilities, the most appropriate solutions are CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker) and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).

Why CASB and SASE?

CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker):

Secure Access: CASB solutions provide secure access to cloud resources by enforcing security policies and monitoring user activities.

Identity and Access Management: CASBs integrate with identity and access management (IAM) systems to ensure that only authorized users can access cloud resources.

Visibility and Control: They offer visibility into cloud application usage and control over data sharing and access.

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge):

Eliminate Split-Tunnel Traffic: SASE integrates network security functions with WAN capabilities to ensure secure access without the need for split-tunnel configurations.

Comprehensive Security: SASE provides a holistic security approach, including secure web gateways, firewalls, and zero trust network access (ZTNA).

Identity-Based Access: SASE leverages IAM to enforce access controls based on user identity and context.

Other options, while useful, do not comprehensively address all the requirements:

A . Federation: Useful for identity management but does not eliminate split-tunnel traffic or provide comprehensive security.

B . Microsegmentation: Enhances security within the network but does not directly address secure access to cloud resources or split-tunnel traffic.

D . PAM (Privileged Access Management): Focuses on managing privileged accounts and does not provide comprehensive access control for internal and external resources.

E . SD-WAN: Enhances WAN performance but does not inherently provide the identity and access management capabilities or eliminate split-tunnel traffic.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide

'CASB: Cloud Access Security Broker,' Gartner Research

Answer : B

A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) provides the best foundation for identifying which specific assets are affected by a given vulnerability. A CMDB maintains detailed information about the IT environment, including hardware, software, configurations, and relationships between assets. This comprehensive view allows organizations to quickly identify and address vulnerabilities affecting specific assets.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide: Discusses the role of CMDBs in asset management and vulnerability identification.

ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) Framework: Recommends the use of CMDBs for effective configuration and asset management.

'Configuration Management Best Practices' by Bob Aiello and Leslie Sachs: Covers the importance of CMDBs in managing IT assets and addressing vulnerabilities.

Answer : A

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is the regulation most likely being addressed by the news organization. GDPR includes provisions for the 'right to be forgotten,' which allows individuals to request the deletion of personal data that is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected. This regulation aims to protect the privacy and personal data of individuals within the European Union.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide: Covers GDPR and its requirements, including the right to be forgotten.

GDPR official documentation: Details the rights of individuals, including data erasure and the right to be forgotten.

'GDPR: A Practical Guide to the General Data Protection Regulation' by IT Governance Privacy Team: Provides a comprehensive overview of GDPR compliance, including workflows for data deletion requests.

Answer : D

Addressing misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in third-party hardware requires a comprehensive approach to manage risks throughout the supply chain. Implementing a proper supply chain risk management (SCRM) program is the most effective solution as it encompasses the following:

Holistic Approach: SCRM considers the entire lifecycle of the product, from initial design through to delivery and deployment. This ensures that risks are identified and managed at every stage.

Regular Audits and Assessments: A robust SCRM program involves regular audits and assessments, both internally and with suppliers, to ensure compliance with security standards and best practices.

Collaboration and Communication: Ensures that there is effective communication and collaboration between the company and its suppliers, leading to faster identification and resolution of issues.

Other options, while beneficial, do not provide the same comprehensive risk management:

A . Performing vulnerability tests on each device delivered by the providers: While useful, this is reactive and only addresses issues after they have been delivered.

B . Performing regular red-team exercises on the vendor production line: This can identify vulnerabilities but is not as comprehensive as a full SCRM program.

C . Implementing a monitoring process for the integration between the application and the vendor appliance: This is important but only covers the integration phase, not the entire supply chain.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide

NIST Special Publication 800-161, 'Supply Chain Risk Management Practices for Federal Information Systems and Organizations'

ISO/IEC 27036-1:2014, 'Information technology --- Security techniques --- Information security for supplier relationships'

Answer : A

The scenario describes a sophisticated attack where the threat actor used steganography within LDAP to exfiltrate data. Given that the hardware and OS firmware were validated and found uncompromised, the attack vector likely exploited a network communication channel. To mitigate such risks, enforcing allow lists for authorized network ports and protocols is the most effective strategy.

Here's why this option is optimal:

Port and Protocol Restrictions: By creating an allow list, the organization can restrict communications to only those ports and protocols that are necessary for legitimate business operations. This reduces the attack surface by preventing unauthorized or unusual traffic.

Network Segmentation: Enforcing such rules helps in segmenting the network and ensuring that only approved communications occur, which is critical in preventing data exfiltration methods like steganography.

Preventing Unauthorized Access: Allow lists ensure that only predefined, trusted connections are allowed, blocking potential paths that attackers could use to infiltrate or exfiltrate data.

Other options, while beneficial in different contexts, are not directly addressing the network communication threat:

B . Measuring and attesting to the entire boot chain: While this improves system integrity, it doesn't directly mitigate the risk of data exfiltration through network channels.

C . Rolling the cryptographic keys used for hardware security modules: This is useful for securing data and communications but doesn't directly address the specific method of exfiltration described.

D . Using code signing to verify the source of OS updates: Ensures updates are from legitimate sources, but it doesn't mitigate the risk of network-based data exfiltration.

CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide

NIST Special Publication 800-41, 'Guidelines on Firewalls and Firewall Policy'

CIS Controls Version 8, Control 9: Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services