Introduction to Targeted Malicious Programs Answers 1. What primarily motivates the deployment of targeted malicious programs? A. Financial gain B. Personal vendettas C. Public awareness D. Community service Answer: Financial gain (A) Financial gain is a primary driver behind targeted malicious programs. 2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of targeted malicious programs? A. Mass production for widespread distribution B. Highly customized malicious code C. Extensive reconnaissance prior to attack D. Sophisticated evasion techniques Answer: Mass production for widespread distribution (A) Targeted malicious programs are specifically tailored rather than massproduced. 3. What types of entities are commonly targeted by sophisticated malicious programs? A. Non-profit organizations B. Small family-owned shops C. Major corporations and government agencies D. Local businesses Answer: Major corporations and government agencies (C) Targets commonly include major corporations and government entities due to the potential for high payoff. 4. Which attack vector is frequently used in targeted attacks? A. Spear phishing emails B. Ransomware distributed via torrents C. Worms that replicate across networks D. Random virus uploads Answer: Spear phishing emails (A) Spear phishing emails are a common method employed in targeted attacks for their effectiveness. 5. What impact do targeted attacks have on organizations? A. Increased brand awareness B. Government funding opportunities C. Enhanced security practices without any cost D. Significant financial losses and operational disruptions Answer: Significant financial losses and operational disruptions (D) Targeted attacks can lead to serious financial loss and operational disruptions for affected organizations. 6. Which defense strategy is crucial for protecting against targeted malicious programs? A. Single software firewall solution B. Only password protection on devices C. Open access for all users to systems D. A multi-layered security approach Answer: A multi-layered security approach (D) A multi-layered security approach is essential to effectively defend against sophisticated threats. 7. Advanced persistent threats (APTs) are characterized by which of the following? A. Low-cost attacks with minimal research B. Highly strategic, ongoing attacks designed for long-term surveillance C. One-time attacks with no further danger D. Random attacks with little planning involved Answer: Highly strategic, ongoing attacks designed for long-term surveillance (B) APTs are known for their strategic nature and focus on long-term infiltration. 8. In targeted attacks, what role does reconnaissance play? A. It helps to identify the best social media campaigns to run. B. It involves detailed research on the target to exploit vulnerabilities. C. It is optional and rarely used. D. It focuses on spreading malware without any prior knowledge. Answer: It involves detailed research on the target to exploit vulnerabilities. (B) Reconnaissance is critical as it helps in identifying vulnerabilities and crafting tailored attacks. 9. What is the purpose of sandboxing suspicious files? A. To enhance the speed of file transfers B. To analyze the behavior of files without risking the network C. To store files for future reference D. To delete all files detected as malicious Answer: To analyze the behavior of files without risking the network (B) Sandboxing allows for a safe environment to observe file behavior and detect potential threats. 10. Which technique is specifically associated with advanced persistent threats (APTs)? A. Automatic software updates B. Remaining hidden within the network for long periods C. General phishing emails D. Frequent use of firewalls Answer: Remaining hidden within the network for long periods (B) APTs are designed to remain undetected within a network for extended durations. 11. What is a common characteristic of watering hole attacks? A. Utilizing social media for recruitment B. Targeting random email addresses C. Creating fake software applications D. Targeting websites frequently visited by specific individuals Answer: Targeting websites frequently visited by specific individuals (D) Watering hole attacks focus on compromising websites that are likely to be visited by the target. 12. Which of the following best describes rootkits? A. Updates that patch security vulnerabilities B. Tools that mask malicious activity within an operating system C. Security software designed to monitor network traffic D. Programs that increase system performance Answer: Tools that mask malicious activity within an operating system (B) Rootkits are designed to hide their presence and the activities they perform within systems. 13. What is the first step to take in an incident response plan when a system is compromised? A. Isolate the compromised system B. Delete all user accounts C. Perform a backup of all data D. Notify all employees immediately Answer: Isolate the compromised system (A) Isolating the compromised system prevents further spread of the attack. 14. What role do decompilers and disassemblers play in analyzing malware? A. They provide real-time protection against viruses B. They help understand the functionality of the malicious code C. They simplify the installation of software D. They block unauthorized access to networks Answer: They help understand the functionality of the malicious code (B) These tools are essential for breaking down and analyzing how malicious code operates. 15. Which tactic is essential to effectively dealing with insider threats? A. Dismissing all employees without warning B. Increased password complexity requirements C. Manipulating or compromising user accounts D. Regular training on security policies Answer: Manipulating or compromising user accounts (C) Insider threats often involve manipulation of accounts by individuals within the organization. 16. What is the ultimate goal of conducting thorough forensic analysis after a security incident? A. To rebuild all network infrastructure B. To eliminate all data from compromised systems C. To understand the full extent of the attack and prevent future incidents D. To increase employee productivity Answer: To understand the full extent of the attack and prevent future incidents (C) Forensic analysis helps in understanding what happened and how to strengthen security measures.