CompTIA CASP CAS-004 Reddit Questions

Assuring the integrity of messages is the most important security objective when applying cryptography to control messages that tell an ICS (industrial control system) how much electrical power to output. Integrity is the security objective that ensures the accuracy and completeness of data or information, preventing unauthorized modifications or tampering. Assuring the integrity of messages can prevent malicious or accidental changes to the control messages that could affect the operation or safety of the ICS or the electrical power output. Importing the availability of messages is not a security objective when applying cryptography, but a security objective that ensures the accessibility and usability of data or information, preventing unauthorized denial or disruption of service. Ensuring non-repudiation of messages is not a security objective when applying cryptography, but a security objective that ensures the authenticity and accountability of data or information, preventing unauthorized denial or dispute of actions or transactions. Enforcing protocol conformance for messages is not a security objective when applying cryptography, but a security objective that ensures the compliance and consistency of data or information, preventing unauthorized deviations or violations of rules or standards. Verified References: https://www.comptia.org/blog/what-is-integrity https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/reso urces/casp-content-guide

Hardening the engineering workstations using a consistent strategy would have the greatest impact on reducing the attack surface. The workstations are running outdated and unsupported operating systems, with no security controls, and inconsistent software installations, which significantly increases the risk of exploitation. Hardening involves applying patches, reducing unnecessary software, disabling unused services, and ensuring uniform security controls across all systems. By addressing these vulnerabilities and inconsistencies, the overall security posture improves significantly, which aligns with CASP+ best practices on reducing attack surfaces by standardizing and securing endpoint configurations.

References:

CASP+ CAS-004 Exam Objectives: Domain 1.0 – Risk Management (Vulnerability Management, System Hardening)

CompTIA CASP+ Study Guide: Hardening Techniques and Attack Surface Reduction

While the company has implemented Single Sign-On (SSO) with strong passwords, additional security controls are required to mitigate attacks such as LDAP injections, brute-force, whaling, and spear-phishing. Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two different forms of authentication (e.g., a password and a security token or a biometric factor), reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised. CASP+ emphasizes the importance of using multi-factor authentication mechanisms to strengthen access control and protect against such attacks.

References:

CASP+ CAS-004 Exam Objectives: Domain 2.0 – Enterprise Security Operations (Access Control and Multi-factor Authentication)

CompTIA CASP+ Study Guide: Implementing Two-Factor Authentication for System Access

In this scenario, the company has elected to cancel the production of a product after reviewing regulatory requirements. This decision reflects a risk avoidance strategy, which involves taking action to eliminate exposure to a risk by not engaging in the activity that could lead to it. By canceling production, the company avoids the regulatory and compliance risks altogether. CASP+ defines risk avoidance as a risk management strategy that involves stopping or avoiding actions that expose the organization to unacceptable levels of risk.

References:

CASP+ CAS-004 Exam Objectives: Domain 1.0 – Risk Management (Risk Avoidance)

CompTIA CASP+ Study Guide: Risk Management Strategies and Risk Avoidance