A security manager has asked an analyst to provide feedback on the results of a penetration test.
After reviewing the results, the manager requests information regarding the possible exploitation of vulnerabilities.
Which of the following information data points would be MOST useful for the analyst to provide to the security manager, who would then communicate the risk factors to senior management? (Choose two.)
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A. B. C. D. E. F.AD.
The security manager wants to assess the possible exploitation of vulnerabilities identified during a penetration test. The analyst should provide the following information to the security manager for effective communication of risk factors to senior management:
Attack Vector: This refers to the path or means by which an attacker can exploit a vulnerability. The analyst should identify and explain the attack vector(s) used in the penetration test. Understanding the attack vector(s) can help the security manager to determine the likelihood of an attack succeeding and assess the potential impact.
Impact: The analyst should describe the potential impact of a successful attack, including the extent of the damage to the organization. The impact can be measured in terms of financial loss, reputational damage, regulatory penalties, or legal liabilities. This information helps the security manager and senior management to prioritize the vulnerabilities and allocate resources accordingly.
In addition to these two data points, the following information can also be useful:
Probability: This refers to the likelihood of an attack occurring. The analyst can provide an estimate of the probability based on the vulnerabilities identified and the effectiveness of the organization's security controls.
Adversary Capability: This refers to the resources, skills, and motivation of potential attackers. The analyst can provide an assessment of the adversary's capability to exploit the identified vulnerabilities. This information helps the security manager and senior management to understand the level of risk posed by the vulnerabilities.
Indicators of Compromise: This refers to the evidence of an active or successful attack. The analyst can provide information on any indicators of compromise found during the penetration test, such as unusual network traffic, system logs, or suspicious files. This information can help the security manager to detect and respond to attacks.
Classification: This refers to the severity or criticality of the vulnerabilities. The analyst can provide a classification based on industry-standard frameworks, such as the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). This information helps the security manager and senior management to prioritize the vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and likelihood of exploitation.
In summary, the most useful information data points for the analyst to provide to the security manager regarding the possible exploitation of vulnerabilities are the attack vector and impact. However, the probability, adversary capability, indicators of compromise, and classification can also be helpful in assessing the risk posed by the vulnerabilities.