hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: A security architect is designing a…
A security architect is designing a deception-based detection system for a high-security environment. The goal is to detect lateral movement by attackers who have already breached the perimeter. Which of the following deception techniques would be most effective at identifying an attacker without alerting them to the deception?
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
✓
Plant honey credentials (username/password) for non-existent Active Directory accounts in a common password manager.
Planting honey credentials for non-existent Active Directory accounts in a common password manager is the most effective deception technique for detecting lateral movement because attackers often search for stored credentials to move laterally. When they attempt to use these credentials, the authentication failure will trigger an alert without alerting the attacker to the deception. Other techniques like honey files or honeypots may be more obvious or require interaction that could tip off the attacker, making them less suitable for stealthy detection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure a network share with honey files and monitor for file access.
Why it's wrong here
Network share access may be automated and not necessarily malicious.
- ✗
Create a honeypot web server with known vulnerabilities and monitor for interactions.
Why it's wrong here
Honeypots can be detected by attackers scanning for decoy systems.
- ✗
Deploy fake database tables containing plausible but fictitious data.
Why it's wrong here
Sophisticated attackers may check data authenticity.
- ✓
Plant honey credentials (username/password) for non-existent Active Directory accounts in a common password manager.
Why this is correct
Honey credentials are low interaction and high value; usage indicates compromise without tipping off attackers.
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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.