CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
A senior security architect is designing a detection strategy for advanced persistent threats (APTs) that employ living-off-the-land (LotL) techniques. Which THREE of the following approaches are most effective for detecting LotL activities? (Choose three.)
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
✓
User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)
LotL attackers use legitimate tools to avoid detection. Behavioral analytics can detect unusual usage patterns of native tools. Deception technologies can lure attackers into revealing themselves. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) that monitors process behavior can detect anomalies like PowerShell executing scripts from unusual locations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)
Why this is correct
UEBA can establish baselines and detect deviations, such as an admin using PowerShell in an unusual way.
- ✓
Deploying honeytokens and honeypots
Why this is correct
Deception technologies can capture attackers when they interact with decoys, as LotL attackers may explore.
- ✗
Signature-based detection on malicious file hashes
Why it's wrong here
LotL uses legitimate tools; signatures won't detect them unless the tools are modified or malicious files are used.
- ✓
Monitoring for native tool usage with EDR and logging command-line arguments
Why this is correct
EDR can detect suspicious command-line patterns, such as PowerShell with encoded commands or wmic for lateral movement.
- ✗
Blocking all scripts and macros by default
Why it's wrong here
Blocking all scripts can impact productivity and may not be feasible; also, attackers can use other LotL tools like mshta or certutil.
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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.