The answer is the user deleting the PII file at 09:25:00 using cmd.exe, as this sequence of events is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. The technical concept here is that an attacker will often read sensitive data, write a copy or stage it for transfer, and then use a command-line tool like cmd.exe to delete the original file, deliberately bypassing normal file explorer audits to cover their tracks. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of anomalous file access patterns as data exfiltration detection indicators, specifically the suspicious triad of read, write, and command-line deletion. A common trap is to focus only on the deletion itself, but the key is the method—cmd.exe rather than the GUI—which signals intentional concealment. Memory tip: think “Read, Write, Cmd-lete” to recall the three-step exfiltration signature.
CISSP Asset Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of asset security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user deleting the PII file at 09:25:00 using cmd.exe
Option C is correct because deleting a PII file via cmd.exe (command-line interface) shortly after reading and writing to it is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. The attacker likely read the sensitive data, wrote a copy or staged it, then used cmd.exe to delete the original file to cover tracks and avoid detection by file access audits. This sequence—read, write, delete via command line—is anomalous for normal user behavior and strongly suggests intentional removal of evidence after data theft.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The user reading the PII file at 09:23:45
Why it's wrong here
Reading a file is a normal business activity.
✗
The sequence of events on the same file by the same user
Why it's wrong here
While the sequence is notable, the deletion via cmd.exe is the most suspicious activity.
✓
The user deleting the PII file at 09:25:00 using cmd.exe
Why this is correct
Deleting a PII file using command prompt is unusual and could indicate an attempt to cover tracks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user writing to the PII file at 09:24:10
Why it's wrong here
Writing to a file is normal business activity.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus on the individual actions (read, write, delete) rather than the sequence and the tool used (cmd.exe), missing that the combination of read, write, and command-line deletion is the hallmark of a data exfiltration attempt.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Windows Event Logs (e.g., Event ID 4663 for file access, 4656 for handle creation) track user actions at the kernel level via the Security Audit Policy. The use of cmd.exe to delete a file (Event ID 4663 with Delete access) is significant because it bypasses the Recycle Bin and often indicates a deliberate attempt to remove evidence, as opposed to a GUI delete which logs differently. In real-world scenarios, attackers frequently use command-line tools like cmd.exe or PowerShell to delete staged data after exfiltration to avoid leaving a trail in file system metadata.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Asset Security — This question tests Asset Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user deleting the PII file at 09:25:00 using cmd.exe — Option C is correct because deleting a PII file via cmd.exe (command-line interface) shortly after reading and writing to it is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. The attacker likely read the sensitive data, wrote a copy or staged it, then used cmd.exe to delete the original file to cover tracks and avoid detection by file access audits. This sequence—read, write, delete via command line—is anomalous for normal user behavior and strongly suggests intentional removal of evidence after data theft.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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