CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
A security team is implementing deception technology to detect attackers inside the network. They plan to deploy fake systems that appear vulnerable and attract attackers. Which of the following is an example of a honeytoken?
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
✓
A fake database credential file that triggers an alert when opened
A honeytoken is a decoy object such as a fake credential, file, or database record that is used to detect unauthorized access. A fake database credential file that triggers an alert when accessed is a typical honeytoken.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A network segment with multiple decoy systems
Why it's wrong here
This describes a honeynet, not a single honeytoken.
- ✗
A fake DNS entry for a non-existent domain
Why it's wrong here
A fake DNS entry is a form of deception but is not typically called a honeytoken; it's more like a honeynet component.
- ✗
A virtual machine running a vulnerable web server
Why it's wrong here
This is a honeypot, not a honeytoken. Honeypots are entire systems, while honeytokens are specific data objects.
- ✓
A fake database credential file that triggers an alert when opened
Why this is correct
This is a classic honeytoken—a decoy credential file that alerts when accessed.
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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.