CREST CREST Practitioner Threat Intelligence Analyst CPTIA Exam Dumps: Updated Questions & Answers (October 2025)

The phase where threat intelligence analysts convert raw data into useful information by applying various techniques, such as machine learning or statistical methods, is known as 'Processing and Exploitation'. During this phase, collected data is processed, standardized, and analyzed to extract relevant information. This is a critical step in the threat intelligence lifecycle, transforming raw data into a format that can be further analyzed and turned into actionable intelligence in the subsequent 'Analysis and Production' phase.References:

"Intelligence Analysis for Problem Solvers" by John E. McLaughlin

"The Cyber Intelligence Tradecraft Project: The State of Cyber Intelligence Practices in the United States (Unclassified Summary)" by the Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute

For memory dump analysis, tools like Scylla and OllyDumpEx are more suited. These tools are designed to analyze and extract information from memory dumps, which can be crucial for understanding the state of a system at the time of an incident. Scylla is used for reconstructing imports in dumped binaries, while OllyDumpEx is an OllyDbg plugin used for dumping process memory. Both tools are valuable for incident handlers like Rinni who are performing memory dump analysis to uncover evidence or understand the behavior of malicious software.

The correct sequence for scheduling a threat intelligence program involves starting with the foundational steps of defining the project scope and objectives, followed by detailed planning and scheduling of tasks. The sequence starts with reviewing the project charter (1) to understand the project's scope, objectives, and constraints. Next, building a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (9) helps in organizing the team's work into manageable sections. Identifying all deliverables (2) clarifies the project's outcomes. Defining all activities (8) involves listing the tasks required to produce the deliverables. Identifying the sequence of activities (3) and estimating resources (7) and task dependencies (4) sets the groundwork for scheduling. Estimating the duration of each activity (6) is critical before developing the final schedule (5), which combines all these elements into a comprehensive plan. This approach ensures a structured and methodical progression from project initiation to execution.References:

"A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)," Project Management Institute

"Cyber Intelligence-Driven Risk," by Intel471

Obfuscation is a technique used to make data or code difficult to understand. It is often employed by attackers to conceal the true intent of their code or communications, making it harder for security professionals, automated tools, and others to analyze or detect malicious activity. Obfuscation can involve the use of ambiguous or misleading language, as well as more technical methods such as encoding, encryption, or the use of nonsensical variable names in source code to hide its true functionality.

References:The CREST CPTIA program discusses various techniques attackers use to evade detection, including obfuscation, highlighting how it complicates the analysis and understanding of malicious payloads.

The attack described, where multiple connection requests from different geo-locations are received by a server within a short time span leading to stress and reduced performance, is indicative of a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack. In a DDoS attack, the attacker floods the target's resources (such as a server) with excessive requests from multiple sources, making it difficult for the server to handle legitimate traffic, leading to degradation or outright unavailability of service. The use of multiple geo-locations for the attack sources is a common characteristic of DDoS attacks, making them harder to mitigate.References:

"Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks," US-CERT

"DDoS Quick Guide," DHS/NCCIC

A Denial of Service (DoS) attack aims to make a computer resource, network, or application unavailable to its intended users, thereby preventing legitimate users from using the service. This is achieved by overwhelming the target with a flood of internet traffic or sending information that triggers a crash. In contrast, fraud and theft involve the unauthorized acquisition of data or assets, unauthorized access refers to gaining entry into systems without permission, and malicious code or insider threat attacks relate to software designed to cause harm or unauthorized actions by trusted users within the organization. The specific intent of a DoS attack is to disrupt service, making it a distinct category focused on denial of availability.References:The Incident Handler (CREST CPTIA) certification materials discuss various types of cybersecurity threats, including DoS attacks, outlining their methods, objectives, and impacts on targeted systems or networks.

The Blueliv Threat Exchange Network is a collaborative platform designed for sharing and receiving threat intelligence among security professionals and organizations. It provides real-time information on global threats, helping participants to enhance their security posture by leveraging shared intelligence. The platform facilitates the exchange ofinformation related to cybersecurity threats, including indicators of compromise (IoCs), tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of threat actors, and other relevant data. This makes it an ideal choice for Kim, who is looking to gather and share threat information to develop security policies for his organization. In contrast, Cuckoo Sandbox is a malware analysis system, OmniPeek is a network analyzer, and PortDroid is a network analysis application, none of which are primarily designed for intelligence sharing.References:

Blueliv's official documentation and resources

"Building an Intelligence-Led Security Program," by Allan Liska

Karry's method of collecting data, which involves no active engagement with participants and is purely based on analysis and observation of activities within the organization, is known as passive data collection. This method is characterized by the non-intrusive monitoring of data and events, allowing analysts to gather intelligence without alerting potential adversaries or disrupting ongoing processes. Passive data collection is essential for maintaining operational security and obtaining an unaltered view of system and network activities.References:

"Passive Data Collection in Cybersecurity," by Cybersecurity Guide

"Understanding Passive and Active Data Collection for Cyber Threat Intelligence," by ThreatConnect

Anti-forensics refers to techniques used to hinder the forensic analysis of a computer system. By hiding files in slack space, changing file headers, embedding suspicious files in executables, and altering metadata, BadGuy Bob is attempting to make it difficult for forensic analysts to find, analyze, and attribute the malicious activities and data on his laptop. These actions are designed to conceal evidence, manipulate digital artifacts, and obstruct investigations, making them clear examples of anti-forensic techniques. While such actions could be part of broader criminal activities, constituting a felony, and could be seen as adversarial mechanics or legal hostility in specific contexts, the most accurate classification of these techniques is anti-forensics.References:The CREST program includes discussions on forensic analysis and the challenges posed by anti-forensic techniques, teaching incident handlers how to recognize and counteract attempts to obstruct investigations.

An inappropriate usage incident involves misuse of the organization's resources or violations of its acceptable use policies. Sam's actions, where he sends emails to third-party organizations with a spoofed email address of his employer, constitute misuse of the organization's email system and misrepresentation of the organization. This behavior can harm the organization's reputation, violate policy, and potentially lead to legal consequences. Inappropriate usage incidents can range from unauthorized use of systems for personal gain to the dissemination of unapproved content.

References:The Incident Handler (CREST CPTIA) by EC-Council includes discussions on various types of security incidents, emphasizing the importance of addressing and mitigating not just external threats but also internal misuse and policy violations.