Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0194

In non-discretionary access control using Role Based Access Control (RBAC), a central authority determines what subjects can have access to certain objects based on the organizational security policy. The access controls may be based on:

A.
The societies role in the organization
B. The individual's role in the organization
C. The group-dynamics as they relate to the individual's role in the organization
D. The group-dynamics as they relate to the master-slave role in the organization

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In Non-Discretionary Access Control, when Role Based Access Control is being used, a central authority determines what subjects can have access to certain objects based on the organizational security policy. The access controls may be based on the individual’s role in the organization.
Reference(S) used for this question: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 33.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0193

In Discretionary Access Control the subject has authority, within certain limitations,

A.
but he is not permitted to specify what objects can be accessible and so we need to get an independent third party to specify what objects can be accessible.
B. to specify what objects can be accessible.
C. to specify on a aggregate basis without understanding what objects can be accessible.
D. to specify in full detail what objects can be accessible.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

With Discretionary Access Control, the subject has authority, within certain limitations, to specify what objects can be accessible.
For example, access control lists can be used. This type of access control is used in local, dynamic situations where the subjects must have the discretion to specify what resources certain users are permitted to access.
When a user, within certain limitations, has the right to alter the access control to certain objects, this is termed as user-directed discretionary access control. In some instances, a hybrid approach is used, which combines the features of user-based and identity-based discretionary access control.
References:
KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 33. and HARRIS, Shon, All-In-One CISSP Certification Exam Guide 5th Edition, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2010, Chapter 4: Access Control (page 210-211).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0192

Controls provide accountability for individuals who are accessing sensitive information. This accountability is accomplished:

A.
through access control mechanisms that require identification and authentication and through the audit function.
B. through logical or technical controls involving the restriction of access to systems and the protection of information.
C. through logical or technical controls but not involving the restriction of access to systems and the protection of information.
D. through access control mechanisms that do not require identification and authentication and do not operate through the audit function.

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

Controls provide accountability for individuals who are accessing sensitive information. This accountability is accomplished through access control mechanisms that require identification and authentication and through the audit function. These controls must be in accordance with and accurately represent the organization’s security policy. Assurance procedures ensure that the control mechanisms correctly implement the security policy for the entire life cycle of an information system. Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 33.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0191

Logical or technical controls involve the restriction of access to systems and the protection of information. Which of the following statements pertaining to these types of controls is correct?

A.
Examples of these types of controls include policies and procedures, security awareness training, background checks, work habit checks but do not include a review of vacation history, and also do not include increased supervision.
B. Examples of these types of controls do not include encryption, smart cards, access lists, and transmission protocols.
C. Examples of these types of controls are encryption, smart cards, access lists, and transmission protocols.
D. Examples of these types of controls include policies and procedures, security awareness training, background checks, work habit checks, a review of vacation history, and increased supervision.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

Logical or technical controls involve the restriction of access to systems and the protection of information. Examples of these types of controls are encryption, smart cards, access lists, and transmission protocols. Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 33.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0190

Which of the following are additional access control objectives?

A.
Consistency and utility
B. Reliability and utility
C. Usefulness and utility
D. Convenience and utility

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Availability assures that a system’s authorized users have timely and uninterrupted access to the information in the system. The additional access control objectives are reliability and utility. These and other related objectives flow from the organizational security policy. This policy is a high-level statement of management intent regarding the control of access to information and the personnel who are authorized to receive that information. Three things that must be considered for the planning and implementation of access control mechanisms are the threats to the system, the system’s vulnerability to these threats, and the risk that the threat may materialize Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, 2001, John Wiley & Sons, Page 32.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0189

This is a common security issue that is extremely hard to control in large environments. It occurs when a user has more computer rights, permissions, and access than what is required for the tasks the user needs to fulfill. What best describes this scenario?

A.
Excessive Rights
B. Excessive Access
C. Excessive Permissions
D. Excessive Privileges

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

Even thou all 4 terms are very close to each other, the best choice is Excessive Privileges which would include the other three choices presented.
Reference(s) used for this question: HARRIS, Shon, All-In-One CISSP Certification Exam Guide, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2001, Page 645. and

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0188

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard pertaining to perimeter protection states that critical areas should be illuminated up to?

A.
Illiminated at nine feet high with at least three foot-candles
B. Illiminated at eight feet high with at least three foot-candles
C. Illiminated at eight feet high with at least two foot-candles
D. Illuminated at nine feet high with at least two foot-candles

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standard pertaining to perimeter protection states that critical areas should be illuminated eight feet high with at least two foot-candles.
It can also be referred to as illuminating to a height of eight feet, with a BRIGHTNESS of two foot-candles.
One footcandle ≈ 10.764 lux. The footcandle (or lumen per square foot) is a non-SI unit of illuminance. Like the BTU, it is obsolete but it is still in fairly common use in the United States, particularly in construction-related engineering and in building codes. Because lux and footcandles are different units of the same quantity, it is perfectly valid to convert footcandles to lux and vice versa.
The name “footcandle” conveys “the illuminance cast on a surface by a one-candela source one foot away.” As natural as this sounds, this style of name is now frowned upon, because the dimensional formula for the unit is not foot • candela, but lumens per square foot.
Some sources do however note that the “lux” can be thought of as a “metre-candle” (i.e. the illuminance cast on a surface by a one-candela source one meter away). A source that is farther away casts less illumination than one that is close, so one lux is less illuminance than one footcandle. Since illuminance follows the inverse-square law, and since one foot = 0.3048 m, one lux = 0.30482 footcandle ≈ 1/10.764 footcandle.
TIPS FROM CLEMENT: Illuminance (light level) – The amount of light, measured in foot-candles (US unit), that falls n a surface, either horizontal or vertical.
Parking lots lighting needs to be an average of 2 foot candles; uniformity of not more than 3:1, no area less than 1 fc.
All illuminance measurements are to be made on the horizontal plane with a certified light meter calibrated to NIST standards using traceable light sources.
The CISSP Exam Cram 2 from Michael Gregg says: Lighting is a commonly used form of perimeter protection.
Some studies have found that up to 80% of criminal acts at businesses and shopping centers happen in adjacent parking lots. Therefore, it’s easy to see why lighting can be such an important concern.
Outside lighting discourages prowlers and thieves. The National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) states that, for effective perimeter control, buildings should be illuminated 8 feet high, with 2-foot candle power.
Reference used for this question:
HARRIS, Shon, All-In-One CISSP Certification Exam Guide, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2001, Page 325. and Shon’s AIO v5 pg 459 and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot-candle

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0187

Physical security is accomplished through proper facility construction, fire and water protection, anti-theft mechanisms, intrusion detection systems, and security procedures that are adhered to and enforced. Which of the following is not a component that achieves this type of security?

A.
Administrative control mechanisms
B. Integrity control mechanisms
C. Technical control mechanisms
D. Physical control mechanisms

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Integrity Controls Mechanisms are not part of physical security. All of the other detractors were correct this one was the wrong one that does not belong to Physical Security. Below you have more details extracted from the SearchSecurity web site: Information security depends on the security and management of the physical space in which computer systems operate. Domain 9 of the CISSP exam’s Common Body of Knowledge addresses the challenges of securing the physical space, its systems and the people who work within it by use of administrative, technical and physical controls. The following Qs are covered:
Facilities management: The administrative processes that govern the maintenance and protection of the physical operations space, from site selection through emergency response.
Risks, issues and protection strategies: Risk identification and the selection of security protection components.
Perimeter security: Typical physical protection controls.
Facilities management Facilities management is a complex component of corporate security that ranges from the planning of a secure physical site to the management of the physical information system environment. Facilities management responsibilities include site selection and physical security planning (i.e. facility construction, design and layout, fire and water damage protection, antitheft mechanisms, intrusion detection and security procedures.) Protections must extend to both people and assets. The necessary level of protection depends on the value of the assets and data. CISSP® candidates must learn the concept of critical-path analysis as a means of determining a component’s business function criticality relative to the cost of operation and replacement. Furthermore, students need to gain an understanding of the optimal location and physical attributes of a secure facility. Among the Qs covered in this domain are site inspection, location, accessibility and obscurity, considering the area crime rate, and the likelihood of natural hazards such as floods or earthquakes.
This domain also covers the quality of construction material, such as its protective qualities and load capabilities, as well as how to lay out the structure to minimize risk of forcible entry and accidental damage. Regulatory compliance is also touched on, as is preferred proximity to civil protection services, such as fire and police stations. Attention is given to computer and equipment rooms, including their location, configuration (entrance/egress requirements) and their proximity to wiring distribution centers at the site.
Physical risks, issues and protection strategies An overview of physical security risks includes risk of theft, service interruption, physical damage, compromised system integrity and unauthorized disclosure of information. Interruptions to business can manifest due to loss of power, services, telecommunications connectivity and water supply. These can also seriously compromise electronic security monitoring alarm/ response devices. Backup options are also covered in this domain, as is a strategy for quantifying the risk exposure by simple formula.
Investment in preventive security can be costly. Appropriate redundancy of people skills, systems and infrastructure must be based on the criticality of the data and assets to be preserved. Therefore a strategy is presented that helps determine the selection of cost appropriate controls. Among the Qs covered in this domain are regulatory and legal requirements, common standard security protections such as locks and fences, and the importance of establishing service level agreements for maintenance and disaster support. Rounding out the optimization approach are simple calculations for determining mean time between failure and mean time to repair (used to estimate average equipment life expectancy) — essential for estimating the cost/benefit of purchasing and maintaining redundant equipment.
As the lifeblood of computer systems, special attention is placed on adequacy, quality and protection of power supplies. CISSP candidates need to understand power supply concepts and terminology, including those for quality (i.e. transient noise vs. clean power); types of interference (EMI and RFI); and types of interruptions such as power excess by spikes and surges, power loss by fault or blackout, and power degradation from sags and brownouts. A simple formula is presented for determining the total cost per hour for backup power. Proving power reliability through testing is recommended and the advantages of three power protection approaches are discussed (standby UPS, power line conditioners and backup sources) including minimum requirements for primary and alternate power provided.
Environmental controls are explored in this domain, including the value of positive pressure water drains and climate monitoring devices used to control temperature, humidity and reduce static electricity. Optimal temperatures and humidity settings are provided. Recommendations include strict procedures during emergencies, preventing typical risks (such as blocked fans), and the use of antistatic armbands and hygrometers. Positive pressurization for proper ventilation and monitoring for air born contaminants is stressed.
The pros and cons of several detection response systems are deeply explored in this domain. The concept of combustion, the classes of fire and fire extinguisher ratings are detailed. Mechanisms behind smoke-activated, heat-activated and flame-activated devices and Automatic Dial-up alarms are covered, along with their advantages, costs and shortcomings. Types of fire sources are distinguished and the effectiveness of fire suppression methods for each is included. For instance, Halon and its approved replacements are covered, as are the advantages and the inherent risks to equipment of the use of water sprinklers.
Administrative controls The physical security domain also deals with administrative controls applied to physical sites and assets. The need for skilled personnel, knowledge sharing between them, separation of duties, and appropriate oversight in the care and maintenance of equipment and environments is stressed. A list of management duties including hiring checks, employee maintenance activities and recommended termination procedures is offered. Emergency measures include accountability for evacuation and system shutdown procedures, integration with disaster and business continuity plans, assuring documented procedures are easily available during different types of emergencies, the scheduling of periodic equipment testing, administrative reviews of documentation, procedures and recovery plans, responsibilities delegation, and personnel training and drills.
Perimeter security Domain nine also covers the devices and techniques used to control access to a space. These include access control devices, surveillance monitoring, intrusion detection and corrective actions. Specifications are provided for optimal external boundary protection, including fence heights and placement, and lighting placement and types. Selection of door types and lock characteristics are covered. Surveillance methods and intrusion-detection methods are explained, including the use of video monitoring, guards, dogs, proximity detection systems, photoelectric/photometric systems, wave pattern devices, passive infrared systems, and sound and motion detectors, and current flow sensitivity devices that specifically address computer theft. Room lock types — both preset and cipher locks (and their variations) –device locks, such as portable laptop locks, lockable server bays, switch control locks and slot locks, port controls, peripheral switch controls and cable trap locks are also covered. Personal access control methods used to identify authorized users for site entry are covered at length, noting social engineering risks such as piggybacking. Wireless proximity devices, both user access and system sensing readers are covered (i.e. transponder based, passive devices and field powered devices) in this domain.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the key concepts of Domain 9, watch the Domain 9, Physical Security video
Return to the CISSP Essentials Security School main page
See all SearchSecurity.com’s resources on CISSP certification training Source: HARRIS, Shon, All-In-One CISSP Certification Exam Guide, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2001, Page 280.

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0186

Which of the following protection devices is used for spot protection within a few inches of the object, rather than for overall room security monitoring?

A.
Wave pattern motion detectors
B. Capacitance detectors
C. Field-powered devices
D. Audio detectors

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

Capacitance detectors monitor an electrical field surrounding the object being monitored. They are used for spot protection within a few inches of the object, rather than for overall room security monitoring used by wave detectors. Penetration of this field changes the electrical capacitance of the field enough to generate and alarm. Wave pattern motion detectors generate a frequency wave pattern and send an alarm if the pattern is disturbed as it is reflected back to its receiver. Field-powered devices are a type of personnel access control devices. Audio detectors simply monitor a room for any abnormal sound wave generation and trigger an alarm. Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 10: Physical security (page 344).

Systems Security Certified Practitioner – SSCP – Question0185

For maximum security design, what type of fence is most effective and cost-effective method (Foot are being used as measurement unit below)?

A.
3' to 4' high
B. 6' to 7' high
C. 8' high and above with strands of barbed wire
D. Double fencing

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

The most commonly used fence is the chain linked fence and it is the most affordable. The standard is a six-foot high fence with two-inch mesh square openings. The material should consist of nine-gauge vinyl or galvanized metal. Nine-gauge is a typical fence material installed in residential areas.
Additionally, it is recommended to place barbed wire strands angled out from the top of the fence at a 45° angle and away from the protected area with three strands running across the top. This will provide for a seven-foot fence. There are several variations of the use of “top guards” using V-shaped barbed wire or the use of concertina wire as an enhancement, which has been a replacement for more traditional three strand barbed wire “top guards.”
The fence should be fastened to ridged metal posts set in concrete every six feet with additional bracing at the corners and gate openings. The bottom of the fence should be stabilized against intruders crawling under by attaching posts along the bottom to keep the fence from being pushed or pulled up from the bottom. If the soil is sandy, the bottom edge of the fence should be installed below ground level.
For maximum security design, the use of double fencing with rolls of concertina wire positioned between the two fences is the most effective deterrent and cost-efficient method. In this design, an intruder is required to use an extensive array of ladders and equipment to breach the fences.
Most fencing is largely a psychological deterrent and a boundary marker rather than a barrier, because in most cases such fences can be rather easily penetrated unless added security measures are taken to enhance the security of the fence. Sensors attached to the fence to provide electronic monitoring of cutting or scaling the fence can be used.
Reference(s) used for this question: Hernandez CISSP, Steven (2012-12-21). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition ((ISC)2 Press) (Kindle Locations 24416-24431). Auerbach Publications. Kindle Edition.