Incident Detection and Analysis

5 minutes 5 Questions

Incident detection and analysis is the process of proactively monitoring and identifying potential security incidents. It involves establishing a baseline for normal system behavior, monitoring system logs and user activities, and using security tools to detect anomalous activity that could indicate potential compromises. Analysis of these detected events helps to confirm and classify the severity and type of security incident, enabling responders to prioritize their efforts and react accordingly. Incident detection and analysis is a critical component of a comprehensive security plan, as it allows organizations to quickly address potential threats, reducing the overall impact and risk of security breaches.

Guide on Incident Detection and Analysis

What is Incident Detection and Analysis?
Incident Detection and Analysis is a critical process in IT Security that involves identifying, classifying, and reacting to security threats or incidents. It includes detecting any abnormal activities or anomalies, analyzing these activities to determine if they represent a genuine security incident, and taking appropriate action.

Why is it important?
This process is vital because it enables organizations to detect malicious activities early, respond promptly, minimize damage, and prevent future incidents. A well-implemented incident detection and analysis process decreases network downtime and saves resources.

How does it work?
Incident detection usually involves continuous monitoring of various data sources like system logs, network traffic, and user reports. Any unusual activity triggers an alert. The analysis process then involves confirming the incident, assessing its severity and potential impact, determining the response strategy, and executing the prescribed procedures.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Incident Detection and Analysis
Understanding the core principles and process of incident detection and analysis is vital for exam success. Here are a few tips:
1. Understand the terminology: Make sure you are familiar with all the terms related to this topic, e.g., 'false positive', 'false negative', 'true positive', etc.
2. Analyze scenarios: Most exam questions will provide a scenario and ask what to do next in the incident detection and analysis process. Be prepared to analyze these situations and apply your knowledge.
3. Know the process: Understand the steps involved in the detection and analysis process thoroughly.
4. Review common tools: Familiarize yourself with common tools used in incident detection and analysis.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

Start practice test

Question 1

An organization's security team notices an increase in failed login attempts to a specific server over the past week. Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

Install antivirus software on the server Conduct trend analysis to determine the source and nature of the attempts Disable the server until the source of the attempts is identified Reset the affected user accounts' passwords

Correct Answer: Conduct trend analysis to determine the source and nature of the attempts

Conducting trend analysis will help the security team understand the source, nature, and possible motives of the failed login attempts. This information will aid in determining the appropriate response to the situation and allow the team to take action effectively. The other options may not solve the issue or may cause unnecessary disruptions to the organization.

Question 2

Following a successful ransomware attack, a company engages a third-party team to carry out a forensic investigation. Which of the following pieces of evidence is MOST critical for the investigation team to collect?

A copy of the organization's insurance policy Logs from relevant systems and devices A list of all employees' personal email addresses A complete inventory of all company-owned hardware

Correct Answer: Logs from relevant systems and devices

Logs from relevant systems and devices contain information about the attack, such as the source, method, and timing, which can help the investigation team analyze the incident and determine the scope of the breach. The other options do not provide useful information for analyzing the specific ransomware attack.

Question 3

An organization's firewall logs show that a certain IP address is repeatedly attempting to establish a connection on commonly blocked ports. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate response to this scenario?

Assume the IP is legitimate and unblock the ports Block all incoming traffic from that IP address immediately Investigate the IP address to determine whether it is malicious Ignore the logs as they likely do not constitute a serious threat

Correct Answer: Investigate the IP address to determine whether it is malicious

Investigating the IP address to determine if it is malicious assists in understanding the intent and source of the connection attempts. If the source is determined to be malicious, the appropriate response can be applied. The other options either do not investigate the issue effectively or might create unnecessary risks.

Go Premium

CompTIA Security+ Preparation Package (2024)

More Incident Detection and Analysis questions

6 questions (total)