ECIH 212-89 Updated Exam

The scenario described fits the characteristics of an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attack. APTs are sophisticated, stealthy, and continuous computer hacking processes often orchestrated by groups targeting a specific entity. These attackers penetrate the network through vulnerabilities, maintain access without detection, and achieve their objectives, such as data exfiltration or financial theft, over an extended period. The fact that attackers exploited a minor vulnerability, maintained access for six months, and performed lateral movements to access critical systems for fraudulent transactions highlights the strategic planning and persistence typical of APT attacks.

The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) is a tool designed to assess a computer or network's security state by checking for missing security updates and common security misconfigurations. In the scenario with Finn, who is working in the eradication phase of an incident response process, the use of MBSA makes sense. The tool's ability to detect missing security patches and recommend the installation of the latest patches is crucial for eliminating vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system that could be the root cause of the incident.

MBSA scans the system for missing security updates, misconfigurations, and other vulnerabilities and provides detailed reports and recommendations for remediation. This step is vital in the eradication phase, where the goal is to remove the root causes of the incident and secure the system against future attacks. By ensuring that all necessary patches are applied, Finn is addressing any security gaps that could be exploited by attackers.

As of my last update, the most recent NIST standard for incident response was NIST Special Publication 800-61 Revision 2 (800-61r2), titled "Computer Security Incident Handling Guide." This document provides guidelines for establishing an effective incident response program, including preparation, detection and analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activity.

Cloud Passage Halo is a security platform designed to provide comprehensive visibility and protection for cloud environments, making it an effective tool for incident responders dealing with potential cloud security incidents. It offers capabilities for detecting, responding to, and containing threats across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. With features like automated security policies, compliance monitoring, and threat detection, Cloud Passage Halo enables incident responders to quickly contain incidents and gather the required forensic evidence to investigate the scope and impact of a breach or security issue. Tools like Alert Logic and Qualys Cloud Platform also provide security and compliance solutions for cloud environments, but Cloud Passage Halo is specifically recognized for its robust incident response and containment capabilities.