Information Security and Assurance (C725)

Correct Answer

A. Software Development Security

Explanation

According to DoD Instruction 8500.2, the primary focus for a software developer is on Software Development Security. This area emphasizes ensuring that the software is developed in compliance with security requirements, including secure coding practices, vulnerability assessments, and the implementation of controls that protect the software from threats and attacks during its lifecycle.

Why other options are wrong

B. Network Infrastructure Security

Network Infrastructure Security is crucial for securing the networks and communications that the system relies on. However, as a software developer, the focus should be more on securing the software itself, rather than the broader network infrastructure. Network security would fall under the domain of network administrators or infrastructure teams.

C. Physical and Environmental Security

Physical and Environmental Security refers to safeguarding the physical premises, hardware, and environmental conditions that affect the system. While important, this is not the primary focus for a software developer under DoD Instruction 8500.2, which specifically emphasizes software development and securing the software against threats.

D. Personnel Security

Personnel Security involves the management of individuals who have access to systems and data. This includes background checks and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive information. While important, it is not the primary concern of a software developer under DoD Instruction 8500.2, which focuses more on the security of the software itself.

Correct Answer

C. To direct and control an organization's management of risk to enhance resilience and security

Explanation

The main purpose of a contingency plan is to outline how an organization will respond to various incidents, ensuring it can manage risks effectively and recover from disruptions. By having a clear plan in place, organizations can maintain operations, minimize damage, and quickly return to normalcy in the face of unexpected events such as security breaches, natural disasters, or system failures.

Why other options are wrong

A. To ensure maximum profit for the company

While contingency planning can help protect a company’s financial interests by maintaining operations during disruptions, its primary focus is on risk management and resilience, not on maximizing profit.

B. To predict the outcome of an incident

Contingency planning does not predict the exact outcome of incidents but prepares an organization to handle them effectively. The goal is to ensure that a company can respond appropriately, regardless of the specific outcome.

D. To provide entertainment during an incident

Providing entertainment is not a function of a contingency plan. The plan’s objective is to address the incident, manage risks, and restore normal business operations, not to provide entertainment.

Correct Answer

B. It ensures that business functions can continue with minimal disruption.

Explanation

Restoring operations quickly is a critical goal of a computer security incident response plan because it minimizes the disruption to business activities. The goal is to ensure that essential business functions can continue during or immediately after a security incident. A swift restoration process ensures that services are resumed, customers and stakeholders are not negatively impacted, and the organization can resume normal operations while addressing any security breaches or vulnerabilities.

Why other options are wrong

A. It allows for the immediate shutdown of all systems.

Shutting down all systems immediately can be harmful in many situations, as it might cause unnecessary disruptions and result in data loss. Restoring operations is more focused on getting systems back online in a controlled and secure manner rather than shutting them down.

C. It focuses solely on data recovery.

While data recovery is an important part of the incident response plan, the primary goal is to restore operations. The focus should be on ensuring the organization can continue its critical business functions, which involves recovering both data and systems to operational status.

D. It eliminates the need for future security measures.

Restoring operations after an incident does not eliminate the need for future security measures. In fact, after restoring operations, the organization must review and strengthen its security posture to prevent future incidents. The incident response plan is part of an ongoing process to improve security measures, not a one-time solution.

Correct Answer

B. ALE provides a method for estimating potential financial losses due to risks, aiding in prioritization of risk management efforts.

Explanation

Annual Loss Expectancy (ALE) is a metric used to quantify the potential financial impact of risks on an organization. It is calculated by multiplying the single loss expectancy (SLE) by the annual rate of occurrence (ARO), which helps organizations estimate potential losses over a year. By understanding ALE, organizations can prioritize risk management efforts, allocating resources to mitigate the most costly risks first and improving overall risk management practices.

Why other options are wrong

A. ALE helps organizations to determine the total value of their assets.

ALE does not directly determine the total value of assets; instead, it calculates the potential loss due to specific risks. While the value of assets is important for calculating ALE (to determine the SLE), ALE is more focused on assessing potential financial losses rather than valuing assets.

C. ALE is used to calculate the total revenue of an organization.

ALE is not used to calculate revenue. It is a tool for assessing financial losses due to risks, not a method for measuring income or revenue generation. Revenue is a separate metric that reflects the financial performance of the organization.

D. ALE assists in the development of marketing strategies.

ALE is not used for developing marketing strategies. It is a risk management tool that helps organizations estimate potential financial losses from risks and prioritize mitigation efforts. Marketing strategies are unrelated to the risk assessment focus of ALE.

Correct Answer

B. Implementing stronger access controls and monitoring for potential vulnerabilities

Explanation

When adopting a new cloud-based service, it is crucial to ensure that access controls are implemented and potential vulnerabilities are carefully monitored. Cloud services can introduce new risks to a company's information security landscape, especially in areas like data storage, access management, and the protection of sensitive information. Strong access controls prevent unauthorized access, and continuous monitoring allows for the identification and resolution of vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.

Why other options are wrong

A. Increasing the number of cloud service providers

While diversification in cloud service providers might be considered for risk mitigation, it is not the primary consideration in the adoption of a new cloud service. The focus should be on securing the service being adopted, regardless of how many providers are involved.

C. Focusing solely on employee training

Employee training is important, but focusing solely on it neglects the technical aspects of securing cloud-based services. Security should be a multi-faceted approach that includes access controls, encryption, and monitoring, along with employee training.

D. Discontinuing all existing security measures

Discontinuing existing security measures is never advisable when adopting a new service. Existing security measures are in place to protect the organization’s assets, and these should continue to be used in tandem with any new strategies for cloud security.

Correct Answer

B. Something you have

Explanation

Token-based authentication falls under "Something you have" because it relies on a physical or virtual token (such as a hardware token or a software-based token) that the user possesses. This token is used to verify the user's identity and grant access, making it a form of possession-based authentication.

Why other options are wrong

A. Something you know

This option refers to knowledge-based authentication, such as passwords or PINs. Token-based authentication is not based on something the user knows but rather on something the user possesses, making this option incorrect.

C. Someone you are

This type of authentication refers to biometrics, such as fingerprint scans or facial recognition. Token-based authentication does not involve biometric factors, so this option is incorrect.

D. Something you do

This refers to behavioral authentication methods, like analyzing user actions or behavior patterns. Token-based authentication is not related to behavior but to possession of a token, making this option incorrect.

Correct Answer

C. They are critical for preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disruptions.

Explanation

The Three C’s in business continuity planning—Catastrophe, Contingency, and Continuity—form a framework that helps organizations prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive events. The "Catastrophe" component involves identifying potential crises that could disrupt operations, "Contingency" involves preparing contingency plans for how to respond to such crises, and "Continuity" ensures that the organization can maintain its critical functions during and after the disruption. By focusing on these three areas, organizations can effectively mitigate risks and enhance their resilience in the face of unexpected events.

Why other options are wrong

A. They provide a framework for financial analysis during a crisis.

The Three C’s are not focused on financial analysis; rather, they are about ensuring the continuation of critical business functions. Financial analysis may be part of the overall response but is not the primary focus of the Three C’s.

B. They outline the steps for developing a marketing strategy.

The Three C’s are not related to marketing strategies. They are focused on preparing for and managing crises and disruptions, ensuring business operations continue.

D. They focus on employee training and development.

While employee training is an important aspect of business continuity, the Three C’s specifically address preparation, response, and recovery in the event of a disruption. They are broader than just employee training and development.

Correct Answer

D. Implementing access control measures

Explanation

Risk analysis in Information Assurance involves identifying data sensitivity, assessing threats and vulnerabilities, and determining the value of systems and information. However, implementing access control measures is part of risk mitigation, not the analysis phase. While important for overall security, access control is not directly involved in the initial risk analysis process, which focuses on identifying risks and their potential impact.

Why other options are wrong

A. Identifying the sensitivity of data

This is a key part of risk analysis. Knowing how sensitive the data is helps in determining the potential impact of a breach or loss. Sensitivity levels guide the prioritization of protective measures.

B. Assessing threats and vulnerabilities

This is a core component of risk analysis. Identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities helps in understanding the risk landscape and enables the organization to prepare for possible security incidents.

C. Determining the value of systems and information

Determining the value of systems and information is essential for risk analysis. It helps in assessing the impact of risks and prioritizing the resources needed to protect the most critical assets.

Correct Answer

C. User authentication methods

Explanation

User authentication methods are part of logical security, not physical security. Physical security focuses on protecting the infrastructure and hardware of information systems, such as ensuring secure site locations, enforcing construction standards to prevent unauthorized access, and controlling traffic and access to sensitive areas. User authentication, on the other hand, deals with verifying the identity of individuals accessing systems and data, which is part of a broader cybersecurity or information security framework.

Why other options are wrong

A. Site/building location

The location of the site/building is a critical physical security consideration as it affects how easily the system can be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Ensuring the facility is located in a secure area reduces the risks of break-ins and physical attacks on the system.

B. Construction standards

Construction standards are essential to physical security, as they determine the structural integrity of the building and the effectiveness of physical barriers, such as locked doors, reinforced walls, and security systems, in protecting information systems from threats.

D. Traffic/access control

Traffic/access control is a vital aspect of physical security, which involves monitoring and controlling who enters and exits the facility and how they move within it. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas and secures information systems from internal and external threats.