Cybersecurity-Practitioner SOC Operations Practice Question
A security analyst is examining an advanced malware sample reported by Cortex XDR. The malware utilizes sophisticated evasion techniques. Which THREE of the following MITRE ATT&CK techniques are commonly associated with the Defense Evasion tactic? (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
✓
Obfuscated Files or Information (e.g., encoded scripts or packed binaries)
Obfuscated Files or Information, Masquerading, and Indicator Blocking are classic Defense Evasion techniques.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Obfuscated Files or Information (e.g., encoded scripts or packed binaries)
Why this is correct
Obfuscating files and scripts is a primary technique used to evade signature detection.
- ✓
Indicator Removal on Host (e.g., clearing event logs or deleting audit trails)
Why this is correct
Clearing logs and removing host indicators are core Defense Evasion techniques.
- ✓
Masquerading (e.g., naming malicious executables after legitimate system files)
Why this is correct
Masquerading allows malware to blend in with legitimate software to evade detection.
- ✗
Remote System Discovery via network ping sweeps
Why it's wrong here
Remote system discovery falls under the Discovery tactic.
- ✗
Data Staged for Exfiltration
Why it's wrong here
Data staging falls under the Collection tactic, not Defense Evasion.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This Cybersecurity-Practitioner practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 Cybersecurity-Practitioner exam.