System Auditing and Intrusion Detection: Master OS Security

Question 1

Which technique is commonly used to monitor system events and activities for potential security breaches?

Accepted Answer

System auditing

Answer

Penetration testing

Answer

Vulnerability assessment

Answer

Malware scanning

Question 2

Describe the key difference between signature-based and anomaly-based IDS detection methods.

Accepted Answer

Signature-based IDS detects known attack patterns, while anomaly-based IDS detects deviations from normal behavior.

Answer

Anomaly-based IDS detects known attack patterns, while signature-based IDS detects deviations from normal behavior.

Answer

Both IDS types detect deviations from normal behavior.

Answer

Both IDS types detect known attack patterns.

Question 3

Which tool is widely used for analyzing log files?

Accepted Answer

Splunk

Answer

Nessus

Answer

Wireshark

Answer

Metasploit

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of deploying a honeypot?

Accepted Answer

To attract and deceive potential attackers

Answer

To monitor network traffic

Answer

To detect malicious software

Answer

To perform penetration testing

Question 5

Which intrusion detection technique monitors user behavior and detects deviations from normal patterns?

Accepted Answer

Anomaly-based detection

Answer

Signature-based detection

Answer

Heuristic-based detection

Question 6

What is the primary function of intrusion detection systems (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

Detecting suspicious activities

Answer

Identifying system vulnerabilities

Answer

Preventing unauthorized access

Answer

Recovering compromised systems

Question 7

Which characteristic best describes anomaly-based intrusion detection?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring deviations from normal system behavior

Answer

Detecting pre-defined threats

Answer

Requiring access to historical data

Answer

Generating a high volume of false positives

Question 8

Which challenge is commonly associated with system auditing?

Accepted Answer

Analyzing the large volume of logs generated

Answer

Acquiring the necessary hardware and software

Answer

Defining effective audit policies

Answer

Training personnel to conduct audits

Question 9

Which system auditing technique focuses on analyzing system logs to detect potential security breaches and system vulnerabilities?

Accepted Answer

Log analysis

Answer

Vulnerability scanning

Answer

Penetration testing

Answer

Configuration auditing

Question 10

Which of the following is **not** a primary objective of system auditing?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing system performance

Answer

Identifying security vulnerabilities

Answer

Detecting unauthorized access attempts

Answer

Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements

Question 11

Which type of intrusion detection system (IDS) actively monitors network traffic for suspicious patterns?

Accepted Answer

Network-based IDS

Answer

Signature-based IDS

Answer

Anomaly-based IDS

Answer

Host-based IDS

Question 12

What is the primary function of a log file in system auditing?

Accepted Answer

Storing chronological records of system events

Answer

Providing real-time alerts on security incidents

Answer

Detecting and preventing malware infections

Answer

Improving system performance and reliability

Question 13

Which of the following is a crucial step in conducting a system security audit?

Accepted Answer

Defining audit objectives and scope

Answer

Analyzing audit logs and identifying anomalies

Answer

Implementing security patches and updates

Answer

Educating end-users on security best practices

Question 14

What is the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework's main objective?

Accepted Answer

Providing a comprehensive set of cybersecurity best practices

Answer

Establishing legal requirements for operating systems

Answer

Encouraging the development of new cybersecurity technologies

Answer

Certifying cybersecurity professionals

Question 15

What is the key distinction between intrusion detection and intrusion prevention?

Accepted Answer

Intrusion detection alerts on potential threats, while intrusion prevention actively blocks them.

Answer

Intrusion prevention alerts on potential threats, while intrusion detection actively blocks them.

Answer

Both intrusion detection and intrusion prevention actively block threats.

Answer

Both intrusion detection and intrusion prevention only alert on potential threats.

Question 16

What is the main advantage of using a commercial intrusion detection system (IDS) over an open-source one?

Accepted Answer

Commercial IDS typically provide better support and maintenance

Answer

Commercial IDS are more customizable to meet specific organizational needs

Answer

Commercial IDS are less likely to generate false positives

Answer

Commercial IDS are less expensive than open-source IDS

Question 17

How does role-based access control (RBAC) differ from discretionary access control (DAC)?

Accepted Answer

RBAC assigns permissions based on roles, while DAC assigns permissions to individual users.

Answer

DAC provides more granular control than RBAC.

Answer

RBAC is always more efficient than DAC, regardless of organization size.

Question 18

Which intrusion detection technique monitors network traffic for unusual patterns?

Accepted Answer

Anomaly detection

Answer

Signature-based detection

Answer

Statistical analysis

Answer

Heuristic analysis

Question 19

What is a key principle when deploying intrusion detection systems (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

Monitor all network traffic and system logs

Answer

Deploy IDS only at the network perimeter

Answer

Configure IDS to alert only for critical events

Answer

Turn off IDS during non-business hours

Question 20

Which tool is commonly used for system auditing in Windows operating systems?

Accepted Answer

Event Viewer

Answer

SysInternals Suite

Answer

Wireshark

Answer

nmap

Question 21

What is the function of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?

Accepted Answer

To gather, aggregate, and analyze security data from multiple sources

Answer

To enforce security policies on network devices

Answer

To monitor network traffic for malicious activity

Answer

To provide intrusion detection and prevention capabilities

Question 22

Which of the following is a difficulty in implementing system auditing in large operating systems?

Accepted Answer

Managing the vast amount of data

Answer

Understanding complex security policies

Answer

Finding qualified personnel

Answer

Acquiring expensive auditing tools

Question 23

What is the main purpose of log analysis in operating system security?

Accepted Answer

Identifying unauthorized access and system anomalies

Answer

Monitoring user activities and enforcing security policies

Answer

Blocking malicious traffic

Answer

Providing evidence for security incidents

Question 24

What is the distinctive characteristic of an intrusion prevention system (IPS) compared to an intrusion detection system (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

An IPS actively blocks intrusions, while an IDS only detects them.

Answer

An IDS actively blocks intrusions, while an IPS only detects them.

Answer

An IPS and an IDS perform identical functions.

Answer

An IPS is a specialized subset of an IDS.

Question 25

Which type of security log provides the most in-depth information about system activity?

Accepted Answer

Security event logs

Answer

Event logs

Answer

Application logs

Answer

System logs

Question 26

What is the intended purpose of using honeypots in intrusion detection?

Accepted Answer

To attract and isolate attackers within a controlled environment for analysis

Answer

To monitor network traffic for suspicious patterns

Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to critical systems

Answer

To identify and mitigate zero-day vulnerabilities

Question 27

What is the primary function of a firewall in the context of intrusion detection?

Accepted Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to and from the network

Answer

To detect and report suspicious network traffic

Answer

To contain the spread of malware

Answer

To encrypt network data

Question 28

What is the primary goal of system auditing?

Accepted Answer

To monitor system events and activities

Answer

To detect and prevent malware infections

Answer

To perform system maintenance tasks

Answer

To back up critical system data

Question 29

Which of the following is a central aspect of intrusion detection?

Accepted Answer

Identifying patterns and behaviors indicative of unauthorized access

Answer

Analyzing system logs and security alerts

Answer

Preventing cyberattacks from occurring

Answer

Restoring compromised systems

Question 30

Which type of system audit is performed continuously over time?

Accepted Answer

Continuous auditing

Answer

Periodic auditing

Answer

Compliance auditing

Answer

Forensic auditing

Question 31

Which tool is commonly used for system auditing?

Accepted Answer

Security information and event management (SIEM) systems

Answer

Network analyzers

Answer

Backup software

Answer

Anti-virus software

Question 32

What is an advantage of centralized intrusion detection?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced visibility and control

Answer

Reduced false positives

Answer

Reduced cost of implementation

Answer

Increased simplicity

Question 33

Which type of intrusion detection system combines multiple detection methods?

Accepted Answer

Hybrid

Answer

Signature-based

Answer

Anomaly-based

Answer

Behavioral

Question 34

What is the main purpose of intrusion detection systems (IDS)?

Accepted Answer

To detect and respond to suspicious activities

Answer

To prevent unauthorized access to systems

Answer

To enforce security policies

Answer

To monitor system performance

Question 35

Explain the difference between a false positive and a false negative in the context of intrusion detection.

Accepted Answer

False positive: Incorrectly identifying an attack; False negative: Missing an actual attack.

Answer

False negative: Incorrectly identifying an attack; False positive: Missing an actual attack.

Answer

Both false positives and false negatives indicate incorrect attack identification.

Answer

Both false positives and false negatives indicate missing actual attacks.

Question 36

What is the primary function of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?

Accepted Answer

To collect and analyze security-related data from multiple sources

Answer

To detect and respond to security incidents promptly

Answer

To prevent security breaches

Answer

To provide forensic analysis capabilities

Question 37

Describe the role of a vulnerability scanner in the context of system auditing and intrusion detection.

Accepted Answer

To identify potential vulnerabilities in systems and networks

Answer

To detect ongoing attacks

Answer

To analyze security logs

Answer

To monitor system performance

Question 38

Which auditing technique primarily focuses on examining system logs to identify potential security breaches?

Accepted Answer

Log file analysis

Answer

Vulnerability scanning

Answer

Network traffic analysis

Question 39

What is the intended purpose of using honeypots in system auditing?

Accepted Answer

To attract and study attackers' behavior

Answer

To enhance system performance

Answer

To replace traditional security measures

Question 40

Which of the following is a well-known signature-based IDS?

Accepted Answer

Snort

Answer

Metasploit

Answer

SELinux

Answer

Wireshark

Question 41

How does an audit trail differ from an audit log?

Accepted Answer

An audit trail provides a complete record of changes, while an audit log captures specific events of interest.

Answer

An audit log is more detailed than an audit trail.

Answer

An audit trail is typically larger in size than an audit log.

Question 42

What is a primary advantage of employing a vulnerability scanner?

Accepted Answer

Identifying potential system weaknesses

Answer

Replacing the need for manual security checks

Answer

Preventing all attacks

Question 43

What is the central objective of system hardening?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing the likelihood of successful attacks

Answer

Complying with all security regulations

Answer

Maximizing system uptime

Question 44

What is the primary function of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?

Accepted Answer

Centralizing security data collection, analysis, and management

Answer

Performing intrusion detection

Answer

Enforcing security policies

Question 45

Which security measure is MOST closely associated with detecting intrusion attempts in real-time?

Accepted Answer

Real-time analysis of network traffic

Answer

Data encryption

Answer

Access control lists (ACLs)

Answer

Password complexity policies

Question 46

An intrusion detection system (IDS) detects suspicious network activity indicating a possible attack. What is the IDS's primary response?

Accepted Answer

Generate an alert to security personnel

Answer

Immediately block the attacker's IP address

Answer

Automatically apply a firewall rule to prevent further access

Answer

Attempt to identify and remove the attacker's malware

Question 47

You're investigating a security breach and find unauthorized file changes in a system's audit log. Which intrusion detection approach is MOST likely to have uncovered this incident?

Accepted Answer

Host-based intrusion detection

Answer

Signature-based intrusion detection

Answer

Network intrusion detection

Question 48

What is a common challenge when implementing effective system auditing?

Accepted Answer

Managing the large volume of audit log data

Answer

Integrating audit logs with incident response systems

Answer

Configuring audit log settings to capture relevant events

Answer

Selecting the appropriate audit log retention policy

Question 49

A system administrator discovers a program running on a server without authorization. What type of intrusion detection method is MOST likely to have detected this unauthorized program?

Accepted Answer

Host-based intrusion detection

Answer

Network intrusion detection

Answer

Signature-based intrusion detection

Answer

Anomaly-based intrusion detection

Question 50

What is the primary function of a security information and event management (SIEM) system?

Accepted Answer

Centralized logging and analysis of security events from multiple sources

Answer

Real-time detection and blocking of malicious network traffic

Answer

Automated remediation of security vulnerabilities

Question 51

A security policy mandates that all users change their passwords every 90 days. What type of security control is this?

Accepted Answer

Administrative control

Answer

Physical control

Answer

Corrective control

Answer

Technical control

Question 52

A security analyst observes a sudden surge in network traffic from a specific IP address. Which intrusion detection method is MOST likely to have alerted the analyst to this suspicious activity?

Accepted Answer

Anomaly-based intrusion detection

Answer

Behavior-based intrusion detection

Answer

Host-based intrusion detection

Answer

Signature-based intrusion detection