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CAS-004 Practice Question: A security administrator is evaluating ways to…
A security administrator is evaluating ways to improve endpoint detection and response (EDR) capabilities. Which TWO of the following approaches would most effectively enhance the detection of fileless malware attacks?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Monitor PowerShell script block logging and execution events.
Fileless malware operates in memory and exploits legitimate system tools, making traditional file-based detection ineffective. Option A (monitor PowerShell script block logging and execution events) captures malicious PowerShell activity, a common vector for fileless attacks. Option C (monitor process creation chains) detects anomalous parent-child relationships, such as a PDF spawning PowerShell, which is indicative of fileless execution. Option B (NIDS) inspects network traffic but misses host-level behavioral anomalies. Option D (FIM) monitors file integrity, which fileless malware avoids. Option E (antivirus with ML) may still fail to detect fileless malware that uses living-off-the-land binaries.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Monitor PowerShell script block logging and execution events.
Why this is correct
PowerShell is commonly abused for fileless execution.
- ✗
Install a network intrusion detection system (NIDS) to inspect traffic.
Why it's wrong here
NIDS focuses on network, not endpoint processes.
- ✓
Monitor process creation chain events to detect anomalous parent-child relationships.
Why this is correct
Fileless malware often uses living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) in unusual sequences.
- ✗
Enable file integrity monitoring (FIM) on critical system files.
Why it's wrong here
FIM detects file changes, but fileless malware may not write to disk.
- ✗
Deploy advanced antivirus with machine learning signatures.
Why it's wrong here
Signature-based detection is less effective against fileless attacks.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-005 exam.