Operational Security Exam Questions and
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"
Which type of analysis involves comparing the cost of implementing a safeguard to the impact of a
possible threat?
risk analysis
threat analysis
exposure analysis
vulnerability analysis"
"
Answer:
risk analysis
Explanation:
Risk analysis is the process of identifying information assets and their associated threats,
vulnerabilities, and potential risks, and justifying the cost of countermeasures deployed to mitigate
the loss. Risk analysis presents a cost-benefit analysis of deploying countermeasures. Risk analysis is
part of the disaster recovery plan. Risk analysis also measures the amount of loss that an
organization can potentially incur if an asset is exposed to loss. It is important to note that risk
analysis is focused on a cost-benefit analysis of countermeasures, and not on the selection of
countermeasures.
The following are the four major objectives of a risk analysis, in order of execution:
To identify all existing assets and estimate their monetary value
To identify vulnerabilities and threats to information assets. Vulnerability is a weakness in the
system, software, hardware, or procedure. A threat agent, leading to a risk of loss potential, can
exploit this weakness. A virus is an example of a threat agent, and the possibility of a virus infecting a
system is an example of a threat
To quantify the possibility of threats and measure their impact on business operations.
To provide a balance between the cost of impact of a threat and the cost of implementing the
safeguard measures to mitigate the impact of threats.
A threat and vulnerability analysis involves identifying and quantifying the possible threats and
vulnerabilities in the system that a threat agent can exploit. Identifying threat and vulnerabilities is
an objective of risk analysis and is a part of risk analysis.
There is no term named exposure analysis. Therefore, this option is invalid.
,An exposure factor refers to the percentage or portion of the asset that incurs a loss when exposed
to a threat.A1"
"Which technique attempts to predict the likelihood a threat will occur and assigns monetary
values in the event a loss occurs?
Delphi technique
Vulnerability assessment
Quantitative risk analysis
Qualitative risk analysis"
"
Answer:
Quantitative risk analysis
Explanation:
Quantitative risk analysis attempts to predict the likelihood a threat will occur and assigns a
monetary value in the event a loss occurs.
The Delphi technique is a type of qualitative risk analysis in which each member of the risk analysis
team gives anonymous opinions. The anonymous opinions ensure that members are not pressured
into agreeing with other parties.
A vulnerability assessment is a method of determining system vulnerabilities and their risk(s). Steps
are then taken to reduce the risk.
Qualitative risk analysis does not assign monetary values. It is simply a subjective report that is
compiled by the risk analysis team that describes the threats, countermeasures, and likelihood an
event will occur.
There are many assessment techniques that are used, including the following:
Perform baseline reporting.
Review code.
Determine attack surface.
Review network and system design.
Use an architectural approach to security."
"What is a physical barrier that acts as the first line of defense against an intruder?
a lock
a fence
a turnstile
a mantrap
a bollard
"
"
Answer:
,a fence
Explanation:
Fencing acts as the first line of defense against casual trespassers and potential intruders, but
fencing should be complemented with other physical security controls, such as guards and dogs, to
maintain the security of the facility. A fence height of 6 to 7 feet is considered ideal for preventing
intruders from climbing over the fence. In addition to being a barrier to trespassers, the fence can
also control crowds. A fence height of 3 to 4 feet acts as a protection against casual trespassers. For
critical areas, the fence should be at least 8 feet high with three strands of barbed wire.
Locks are an example of physical security controls. An organization can use locks to prevent
unauthorized access or to induce a delay in the process of a security breach. Locks should be used in
combination with other security controls to guard the facility infrastructure and its critical resources.
Locks usually do not serve as the first line of defense against intruders.
Turnstiles and mantraps do not serve as the first line of defense against an intruder. A turnstile is a
type of gate that allows movement in a single direction at a time. A mantrap refers to a set of double
doors usually monitored by a security guard. A mantrap can protect against tailgating. A bollard is a
short post or pillar that blocks vehicles from driving into a particular area.
Physical security controls include the following:
Hardware locks
Mantraps
Video surveillance (CCTV)
Fencing
Proximity readers
Access lists
Proper lighting
Signs
Guards
Barricades
Biometrics
Protected distribution for cabling
Alarms
Motion detectors
"
"As part of a new security initiative, your organization has decided that all employees must
undergo security awareness training. What is the aim of this training?
All employees in the IT department should be able to handle security incidents.
All employees excluding top management should understand the legal implications of loss of
information.
All employees in the IT department should be able to handle social engineering attacks.
All employees must understand their security responsibilities.
"
"
Answer:
, All employees must understand their security responsibilities.
Explanation:
The primary aim of security awareness training is to ensure that all employees understand their
security responsibilities, the ethical conduct expected from them, and the acceptable use of an
effective security program. An effective security program includes a mix of technical and non-
technical methods. It is important to understand the corporate culture and environment and their
effect on the security of the organization. A security awareness program is all about communicating
the company's attitude about safeguarding resources. An example of a cost-effective way to
enhance security awareness in an organization is to create an award or recognition program for
employees.
User responsibilities for protection of information assets are defined in the organization's
information security policies, procedures, standards, and best practices developed for information
protection. User training should include security policy training and procedures.
Security awareness training may be customized for different groups of employees, such as senior
management, technical staff, and users. Each group has different responsibilities and needs to
understand security from a perspective pertaining to their domain. For example, the security
awareness training for the management group should focus on a clear understanding of the
potential risks, exposure, and legal obligations resulting from loss of information. Technical staff
should be well versed regarding the procedures, standards, and guidelines to be followed. User
training should include examples of acceptable and unacceptable activities and the implication of
noncompliance. User training might be focused on threats, such as social engineering, which can
lead to the divulgence of confidential information that may hamper business operations by
compromising the confidentiality and the integrity of information assets. Staff members should
particularly be made aware of such attacks to avoid unauthorized access attempts.
Before developing security awareness training, it is important that the corporate environment is fully
understood.
Security awareness training has these benefits:
It helps operators understand the value of the information.
It can help system administrators recognize unauthorized intrusion attempts.
It can help an organization reduce the number and severity of errors and omissions.
Security awareness, security training, and security education are usually considered three unique
topics. Security awareness is used to reinforce the fact that security supports the mission of the
organization by protecting valuable resources. The purpose of security training is to teach people the
skills that will enable them to perform their jobs more securely. Training focuses on security
awareness.
Security education is more in-depth than security training and targets security professionals and
those whose jobs require expertise in security. Management commitment is necessary because of
the resources used in developing and implementing the program, and also because the program
affects their staff.
Role-based training should be implemented to ensure that the appropriate training is given to