CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) Threat Actors H

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Questions and Answers

Match the following threat actor motivations with their descriptions:

Data Exfiltration = Stealing sensitive information for unauthorized access or release Blackmail = Using obtained information to extort or manipulate victims Espionage = Gathering secret or confidential information for political or military advantage Service Disruption = Intentionally disrupting or disabling services for targeted organizations

Match the following threat actor attributes with their descriptions:

Internal vs. External Threat Actors = Distinguishing between individuals within an organization and those outside of it Differences in resources and funding = Disparities in financial and material support available to threat actors Level of sophistication = Degree of complexity and expertise in carrying out cyberattacks Types of Threat Actors = Categorizing threat actors based on their motives and capabilities

Match the following types of threat actors with their descriptions:

Unskilled Attackers = Individuals with limited technical expertise who utilize easily accessible tools for cyberattacks Hacktivists = Activists driven by political, social, or environmental causes who engage in cyberattacks for their beliefs Organized Crime = Groups executing cyberattacks primarily for financial gain through illegal activities Ethical Reasons = Individuals motivated by moral principles to expose vulnerabilities or prevent malicious activities

Match the following cyber threat actors with their descriptions:

Anonymous = Loosely affiliated hacktivist group targeting organizations perceived as acting unethically or against public interest Organized cybercrime groups = Well-structured, sophisticated, engage in illicit activities for financial gain, use custom malware, ransomware, and phishing campaigns Nation-state actors = Sponsored by a government to conduct cyber operations against other entities, motivated by long-term strategic goals, may conduct false flag attacks Insider threats = Cybersecurity threats originating from within an organization, driven by financial gain, revenge, or carelessness Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cybersecurity concepts with their descriptions:

Zero-trust architecture = Mitigates the risk of insider threats, includes employing robust access controls, conducting regular audits, and providing effective employee security awareness programs Shadow IT = Use of IT systems, devices, software without organizational approval, exists due to high security posture or complexities affecting business operations Threat vectors and attack surfaces = Means by which attackers gain unauthorized access to deliver malicious payloads or carry out unwanted actions False flag attacks = Conducted by nation-state actors, involve disguising the true origin of an attack Signup and view all the answers

Match the following cybersecurity practices with their descriptions:

Robust access controls = Part of zero-trust architecture, aims to restrict unauthorized access Regular audits = Part of zero-trust architecture, aims to monitor and ensure compliance with security measures Employee security awareness programs = Part of zero-trust architecture, aims to educate employees about cybersecurity risks and best practices BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) = Part of shadow IT, involves employees using personal devices for work purposes without organizational approval Signup and view all the answers

Match the following threat vectors with their descriptions:

Message-based threat vector = Threats delivered via email, SMS, or instant messaging Image-based threat vector = Malicious code embedded in image files File-based threat vector = Malicious files disguised as legitimate documents or software Voice call-based threat vector = Use of voice calls to trick victims into revealing sensitive information Signup and view all the answers

Match the following network security measures with their descriptions:

Unsecure networks = Includes wireless, wired, and Bluetooth networks lacking appropriate security measures MAC Address Cloning = Cloning of MAC addresses to gain unauthorized access to a network VLAN Hopping = Exploiting VLAN vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to a different VLAN BlueBorne exploit = Set of vulnerabilities in Bluetooth technology allowing an attacker to take over devices Signup and view all the answers

Match the following deception and disruption technologies with their descriptions:

Honeypots = Decoy system or network set up to attract potential hackers Honeynets = Network of honeypots creating a more complex system to mimic an entire network of systems Honeyfiles = Decoy file placed within a system to lure potential attackers Honeytokens = Data or resource with no legitimate value monitored for access or use Signup and view all the answers

Match the following disruption technologies and strategies with their descriptions:

Bogus DNS entries = Fake DNS entries introduced into a system's DNS server Decoy directories = Fake folders and files placed within a system's storage Dynamic page generation = Effective against automated scraping tools or bots trying to index or steal content from an organization's website Port triggering = Security mechanism where specific services or ports on a network device remain closed until specific outbound traffic pattern is detected Signup and view all the answers

Match the following threat actor classifications with their descriptions:

Internal threat actors = Individuals or entities within an organization posing a security risk External threat actors = Individuals or groups outside an organization attempting to breach cybersecurity defenses Nation-state actors = Highly skilled cyber attackers sponsored by governments for cyber espionage or warfare Unskilled attackers ('script kiddies') = Have limited technical knowledge and rely on pre-made software or scripts to exploit computer systems and networks Signup and view all the answers

Match the following motivations for cyber attacks with their descriptions:

Data exfiltration = One of the common motivations for cyber attacks Financial gain = One of the common motivations for cyber attacks Blackmail = One of the common motivations for cyber attacks Service disruption = One of the common motivations for cyber attacks Signup and view all the answers

Match the following methods used by threat actors to spread malware with their descriptions:

Email attachments = Method used by threat actors to spread malware Infected software downloads = Method used by threat actors to spread malware Exploited vulnerabilities = Method used by threat actors to spread malware DDoS attacks = Method used by threat actors to spread malware Signup and view all the answers

Match the following attack surfaces with their descriptions:

Message-based attacks = Common attack surface Image-based attacks = Common attack surface File-based attacks = Common attack surface Voice calls and removable devices = Common attack surface Signup and view all the answers

Match the following tactics employed by threat actors with their descriptions:

Deception tactics = Include hiding their identity, disguising their intentions, and using false information or decoy systems Direct tactics = Include exploiting vulnerabilities, using malware, and launching DDoS attacks Indirect tactics = Include social engineering, insider threats, and supply chain attacks Incident response plans = Include identifying the attack, containing the damage, eradicating the malware, and restoring systems Signup and view all the answers

Match the following security measures with their descriptions:

Firewalls = Security measure that organizations can implement to protect against cyber threats Antivirus software = Security measure that organizations can implement to protect against cyber threats Intrusion detection systems = Security measure that organizations can implement to protect against cyber threats Access control policies and security awareness training for employees = Security measure that organizations can implement to protect against cyber threats Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nation-state actors are highly skilled cyber attackers sponsored by governments for cyber espionage or warfare.
Insider threats are security risks originating from within the organization. "Shadow IT" is one type of insider threat, referring to IT systems, devices, software, or services managed without explicit organizational approval.
Threat actors have various motivations for their attacks. There is a distinction between the intent of the attack and the motivation driving it. Some common motivations include data exfiltration, financial gain, blackmail, service disruption, philosophical or political beliefs, and ethical reasons.
Threat actors can be classified based on their attributes. Internal threat actors are individuals or entities within an organization posing a security risk, while external threat actors are individuals or groups outside an organization attempting to breach cybersecurity defenses. Threat actors also vary in resources and funding, and level of sophistication and capability.
Unskilled attackers, or "script kiddies," have limited technical knowledge and rely on pre-made software or scripts to exploit computer systems and networks. They can cause damage through DDoS attacks.
Hacktivists are individuals or groups using their technical skills to promote a cause or drive social change rather than for personal gain. They engage in hacking activities to accomplish their objectives, which can include website defacement, DDoS attacks, doxing, and leaking sensitive data.
Common threats and attack surfaces include message-based attacks, image-based attacks, file-based attacks, voice calls, and removable devices, as well as unsecured networks.
Deception and disruption technologies, such as honeypots, honeynets, honeyfiles, and honeytokens, can be used to deceive and detect attackers.
Threat actors employ various tactics to carry out their attacks. Deception tactics include hiding their identity, disguising their intentions, and using false information or decoy systems. Direct tactics include exploiting vulnerabilities, using malware, and launching DDoS attacks. Indirect tactics include social engineering, insider threats, and supply chain attacks.
Threat actors may use a variety of tools and techniques to carry out their attacks. These may include malware, exploit kits, botnets, rootkits, keyloggers, and ransomware. They may also use encryption, anonymity tools, and other methods to evade detection and countermeasures.
Threat actors may employ various methods to maintain their access to compromised systems and networks, including persistent backdoors, rootkits, and remote access tools. They may also use various methods to spread their malware, including email attachments, infected software downloads, and exploited vulnerabilities.
Organizations can implement various security measures to protect against cyber threats. These may include firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, access control policies, and security awareness training for employees.
Incident response plans can help organizations respond effectively to cyber attacks, including identifying the attack, containing the damage, eradicating the malware, and restoring systems.
Various organizations and certifications offer training and resources for cybersecurity professionals, such as CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701). These resources can help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to protect against cyber threats and respond effectively to incidents.

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Description

Prepare for the CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) exam with study notes covering well-known hacktivist groups like 'Anonymous' and organized cybercrime groups. Understand their motives, tactics, and impact on digital security.