CS0-003 Security Operations Practice Question
A threat hunter is creating a hypothesis based on recent threat intelligence about a new ransomware variant that uses scheduled tasks for persistence. Which of the following MITRE ATT&CK techniques should the hunter focus on?
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
✓
T1053.005 - Scheduled Task
Scheduled tasks are a persistence technique (T1053.005) in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. The hunter should look for unusual scheduled tasks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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T1547.001 - Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder
Why it's wrong here
While Registry Run Keys and the Startup Folder are common persistence mechanisms used to execute payloads upon user login or system boot, they rely on modifying specific registry hives (like HKCU or HKLM Run keys) or file system directories. This differs from utilizing the Task Scheduler engine to trigger execution based on time or system events.
- ✓
T1053.005 - Scheduled Task
Why this is correct
MITRE ATT&CK technique T1053.005 specifically represents the abuse of the Windows Task Scheduler to achieve persistence or elevate privileges. Threat actors leverage utilities like `schtasks.exe` or the Task Scheduler API to register malicious tasks that execute periodically or under specific trigger conditions, ensuring continuous access to the compromised host.
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T1071.001 - Web Protocols
Why it's wrong here
This technique falls under the Command and Control (C2) tactic rather than Persistence. It describes how adversaries abuse standard application layer protocols like HTTP or HTTPS to blend their malicious communication with legitimate outbound web traffic, rather than establishing a mechanism to maintain access across reboots.
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T1059.001 - PowerShell
Why it's wrong here
PowerShell is categorized under the Execution tactic as a powerful command-line shell and scripting language. While adversaries frequently use PowerShell scripts to install persistence mechanisms (such as scheduled tasks or registry keys), the tool itself is an execution vector rather than a persistent foothold.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
OSINT Sources for Threat Intelligence
Key term
MITRE ATT&CK
MITRE ATT&CK is a globally accessible knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations, used by security professionals to understand and defend against cyber threats.
Key term
Threat intelligence
Threat intelligence is evidence-based knowledge about existing or emerging cyber threats that helps organizations defend against attacks.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CS0-004 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 CS0-004 exam.