Free Practice Questions for CyberArk PAM-DEF Exam

This parameter controls how often the CPM looks for accounts that need to be changed from recently completed Dual control requests. It is set in the Master Policy under the Dual Control section. The value of this parameter determines the frequency of the CPM’s verification process for accounts that have been accessed by users who have received confirmation from authorized Safe owners. The CPM will change the password of these accounts according to the value of this parameter. References:

Dual Control - CyberArk

Dual control in V10 Interface - docs.cyberark.com

PAM-DEF CyberArk Defender – PAM Questions and Answers - Marks4sure

The configuration file used by the CPM scanner when scanning UNIX/Linux devices is UnixPrompts.ini. This file is located in the CPM scanner installation folder and can be customized according to the UNIX/Linux machine’s specific configuration. The file contains parameters that define the prompts and paths for various commands and files used by the CPM scanner, such as login password, sudo password, sudo error, passwd file, group file, shadow file, and sudoers file. References: Configure the CPM Scanner, CPM Scanner parameters file (CACPMScanner.exe.config)

 It is possible to leverage DNA to provide discovery functions that are not available with auto-detection. Auto-detection is a feature that enables the CPM to automatically discover and onboard accounts on target systems that are associated with a specific platform. Auto-detection can be configured in the Platform Management settings for each platform that supports this functionality. However, auto-detection has some limitations, such as requiring the CPM to have access to the target system, not supporting all platforms, and not providing comprehensive information about the accounts and their security risks1. DNA, on the other hand, is a standalone scanning tool that can discover and audit privileged accounts across the network, regardless of the platform or the CPM access. DNA can provide additional discovery functions, such as identifying machines vulnerable to Pass-the-Hash attacks, collecting reliable and comprehensive audit information, and generating reports and visual maps that evaluate the privileged account security status in the organization2. DNA can also be used before or independently of the CyberArk PAM solution, as it does not require agents to be installed on target systems2. References:

1: Auto-detection

2: CyberArk DNA Overview

 When using the CreateCredFile Utility to harden Credential Files (CredFiles), it is important to include parameters that enhance security. The Host IP Address, Client Hostname, and Vault IP Address are parameters that can be used to specify the environment in which the CredFile is valid, thereby restricting its use to specific machines or networks1. This helps prevent unauthorized access to the CredFile and ensures that it is only used in the intended context.

References:

CyberArk’s official documentation on the CreateCredFile utility provides insights into the security mechanisms used to protect credential files, including the use of environmental key materials such as application-based, machine-based, and component-based materials1.

For a deeper understanding of how to secure Credential Files and the use of the CreateCredFile Utility, refer to the CyberArk Defender PAM course materials and study guide2.

The Remote Control Agent (PARAgent) is a CyberArk utility that can be used to monitor the status of Vault services remotely. It can also perform other tasks, such as starting and stopping the Vault, backing up and restoring the Vault, and running other utilities. The PARAgent communicates with the Remote Control Client (PARClient), which is a graphical user interface that displays the Vault status and allows the user to execute commands on the Vault. The PARAgent can also send SNMP traps to a remote terminal if the Vault service is down. References: How do I monitor the Vault status remotely?, Monitor system health

Retrieve accounts/files: Required

List accounts/files: Required

View audit: Required

Access Safe without confirmation: Not Required

Create Folders: Not Required

Comprehensive Explanation: To allow a group to view recordings in a recording safe, the required authorizations are Retrieve accounts/files, List accounts/files, and View audit. These authorizations enable the group members to access and view the session recordings stored within the safe. The Retrieve accounts/files permission allows users to retrieve files during PSM sessions. The List accounts/files permission enables users to see the list of accounts and files within the safe. The View audit authorization is necessary for users to view the audit records associated with the recordings1.

References:

CyberArk Docs - Monitor Privileged Sessions

 One Time Passwords (OTPs) are passwords that are valid for only one use or a limited time period. The primary purpose of OTPs is to reduce the risk of credential theft, which is a common attack vector for hackers and malicious insiders. By using OTPs, the exposure of the credentials is minimized, and the attacker cannot reuse the stolen password to access the target system. OTPs also enhance the security of the authentication process, as they add an extra layer of verification to the user’s identity. OTPs can be generated by various methods, such as SMS, email, hardware tokens, software tokens, etc1.

The other options are not the primary purpose of OTPs, because:

B. More frequent password changes. This is not the primary purpose of OTPs, but a consequence of using them. OTPs require more frequent password changes, as they expire after one use or a limited time period. However, this is not the main goal of using OTPs, but rather a means to achieve the goal of reducing the risk of credential theft.

C. Non-repudiation (individual accountability). This is not the primary purpose of OTPs, but a benefit of using them. Non-repudiation means that the user cannot deny performing an action or accessing a resource, as there is sufficient evidence to prove their identity and activity. OTPs can help achieve non-repudiation, as they are unique and personal to each user, and can be traced back to the user’s device or account. However, this is not the main goal of using OTPs, but rather an advantage of using them.

D. To force a ‘collusion to commit’ fraud ensuring no single actor may use a password without authorization. This is not the primary purpose of OTPs, but a feature of using them. OTPs can help prevent unauthorized access to privileged accounts, as they require the user to have both the OTP and the regular password to access the target system. This means that no single actor can use the password without authorization, as they would need the cooperation of another actor who has the OTP. However, this is not the main goal of using OTPs, but rather a capability of using them.

References:

1: One-time password

 According to the CyberArk documentation1, the Password Upload utility must run from the Central Policy Manager (CPM) server. This utility works by uploading passwords and their properties into the Password Vault from a pre-prepared file, creating the required environment, when necessary. It is run from a command line whenever a password upload is required1.

 Dual control is a feature of CyberArk Defender PAM that enables authorized Safe owners to either grant or deny requests to access accounts. This feature adds an additional measure of protection, in that it enables you to see who wants to access the information in the Safe, when, and for what purpose. The Master Policy enables organizations to ensure that passwords can only be retrieved after permission or ‘confirmation’ has been granted from an authorized Safe Owner (s). This is known as Dual Control. The primary purpose of dual control is to prevent a single user from accessing a sensitive account without authorization, which could lead to fraud or misuse of privileges. By requiring confirmation from another authorized user, dual control ensures that there is a ‘collusion to commit’ fraud, meaning that at least two users are involved in the malicious activity and are accountable for it. References:

Dual Control - CyberArk

Dual Control - CyberArk

Dual control in V10 Interface - docs.cyberark.com