ISC SSCP Exam Made Easy: Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) uses instructions that perform many operations per instruction. It was based on the fact that in earlier technologies, the instruction fetch was the longest part of the cycle. Therefore, by packing more operations into an instruction, the number of fetches could be reduced. Pipelining involves overlapping the steps of different instructions to increase the performance in a computer. Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) involve simpler instructions that require fewer clock cycles to execute. Scalar processors are processors that execute one instruction at a time.

Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 5: Security Architectures and Models (page 188).

Source: TIPTON, Hal, (ISC)2, Introduction to the CISSP Exam presentation.

Multiprocessing is an organizational technique in which a number of processor units are employed in a single computer system to increase the performance of the system in its application environment above the performance of a single processor of the same kind. In order to cooperate on a single application or class of applications, the processors share a common resource. Usually this resource is primary memory, and the multiprocessor is called a primary memory multiprocessor. A system in which each processor has a private (local) main memory and shares secondary (global) memory with the others is a secondary memory multiprocessor, sometimes called a multicomputer system because of the looser coupling between processors. The more common multiprocessor systems incorporate only processors of the same type and performance and thus are called homogeneous multiprocessors; however, heterogeneous multiprocessors are also employed. A special case is the attached processor, in which a second processor module is attached to a first processor in a closely coupled fashion so that the first can perform input/output and operating system functions, enabling the attached processor to concentrate on the application workload.

The following were incorrect answers:

Multiprogramming: The interleaved execution of two or more programs by a computer, in which the central processing unit executes a few instructions from each program in succession.

Multitasking: The concurrent operation by one central processing unit of two or more processes.

Pipelining: A procedure for processing instructions in a computer program more rapidly, in which each instruction is divided into numerous small stages, and a population of instructions are in various stages at any given time. One instruction does not have to wait for the previous one to complete all of the stages before it gets into the pipeline. It would be similiar to an assembly chain in the real world.

References:

TIPTON, Hal, (ISC)2, Introduction to the CISSP Exam presentation.

http://www.answers.com/QUESTION NO: /multiprocessing?cat=technology

http://www.answers.com/multitasking?cat=biz-fin

http://www.answers.com/pipelining?cat=technology

A system with multiple processors is called a multiprocessing system.

Multitasking is incorrect. Multitasking involves sharing the processor amoung all ready processes. Though it appears to the user that multiple processes are executing at the same time, only one process is running at any point in time.

Multithreading is incorrect. The developer can structure a program as a collection of independent threads to achieve better concurrency. For example, one thread of a program might be performing a calculation while another is waiting for additional input from the user.

"Parallel running" is incorrect. This is not a real term and is just a distraction.

References:

CBK, pp. 315-316

AIO3, pp. 234 - 239

The software plans and requirements phase addresses threats, vulnerabilities, security requirements, reasonable care, due diligence, legal liabilities, cost/benefit analysis, level of protection desired, test plans.

Implementation is incorrect because it deals with Installing security software, running the system, acceptance testing, security software testing, and complete documentation certification and accreditation (where necessary).

System Feasibility is incorrect because it deals with information security policy, standards, legal issues, and the early validation of concepts.

Product design is incorrect because it deals with incorporating security specifications, adjusting test plans and data,

determining access controls, design documentation, evaluating encryption options, and verification.

Sources:

KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 7: Applications and Systems Development (page 252).

KRUTZ, Ronald & VINES, Russel, The CISSP Prep Guide: Gold Edition, Wiley Publishing Inc., 2003, Chapter 7: Security Life Cycle Components, Figure 7.5 (page 346).

Change control sub-phase includes Recreating and analyzing the problem, Determining the interface that is presented to the user, and Establishing the priorities of requests.

Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 7: Applications and Systems Development (page 252).

It is considered to be a technical control.

Logical is synonymous with Technical Control. That was the easy answer.

There are three broad categories of access control: Administrative, Technical, and Physical.

Each category has different access control mechanisms that can be carried out manually or automatically. All of these access control mechanisms should work in concert with each other to protect an infrastructure and its data.

Each category of access control has several components that fall within it, as shown here:

Administrative Controls

• Policy and procedures

• Personnel controls

• Supervisory structure

• Security-awareness training

• Testing

Physical Controls

Network segregation

Perimeter security

Computer controls

Work area separation

Data backups

Technical Controls

System access

Network architecture

Network access

Encryption and protocols

Control zone

Auditing

The following answers are incorrect :

Screening of personnel is considered to be an administrative control

Development of policies, standards, procedures and guidelines is considered to be an administrative control

Change control procedures is considered to be an administrative control.

Reference : Shon Harris AIO v3 , Chapter - 3 : Security Management Practices , Page : 52-54

System Integrity means that all components of the system cannot be tampered with by unauthorized personnel and can be verified that they work properly.

The following answers are incorrect:

The software of the system has been implemented as designed. Is incorrect because this would fall under Trusted system distribution.

Users can't tamper with processes they do not own. Is incorrect because this would fall under Configuration Management.

Design specifications have been verified against the formal top-level specification. Is incorrect because this would fall under Specification and verification.

References:

AIOv3 Security Models and Architecture (pages 302 - 306)

DOD TCSEC - http://www.cerberussystems.com/INFOSEC/stds/d520028.htm

Are the two types of assurance mentioned in the Orange book.

The following answers are incorrect:

Operational Assurance and Architectural Assurance. Is incorrect because Architectural Assurance is not a type of assurance mentioned in the Orange book.

Design Assurance and Implementation Assurance. Is incorrect because neither are types of assurance mentioned in the Orange book.

Architectural Assurance and Implementation Assurance. Is incorrect because neither are types of assurance mentioned in the Orange book.

Polyinstantiation enables a relation to contain multiple tuples with the same primary keys with each instance distinguished by a security level. When this information is inserted into a database, lower-level subjects need to be restricted from this information. Instead of just restricting access, another set of data is created to fool the lower-level subjects into thinking that the information actually means something else.

Source: HARRIS, Shon, All-In-One CISSP Certification Exam Guide, McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2002, chapter 11: Application and System Development (page 727).

A Pseudo flaw is something that looks like it is vulnerable to attack, but really acts as an alarm or triggers automatic actions when an intruder attempts to exploit the flaw.

The following answers are incorrect:

An omission when generating Psuedo-code. Is incorrect because it is a distractor.

Used for testing for bounds violations in application programming. Is incorrect, this is a testing methodology.

A normally generated page fault causing the system to halt. This is incorrect because it is distractor.

Padded cells complement Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) and are not related to DBMS security. Padded cells are simulated environments to which IDSs seamlessly transfer detected attackers and are designed to convince an attacker that the attack is going according to the plan. Cell suppression is a technique used against inference attacks by not revealing information in the case where a statistical query produces a very small result set. Perturbation also addresses inference attacks but involves making minor modifications to the results to a query. Partitioning involves splitting a database into two or more physical or logical parts; especially relevant for multilevel secure databases.

Source: LaROSA, Jeanette (domain leader), Application and System Development Security CISSP Open Study Guide, version 3.0, January 2002.

Object reuse requirements, applying to systems rated TCSEC C2 and above, are used to protect files, memory, and other objects in a trusted system from being accidentally accessed by users who are not authorized to access them. Deleting files on disk merely erases file headers in a directory structure. It does not clear data from the disk surface, thus making files still recoverable. All other options involve clearing used space, preventing any unauthorized access.

Source: RUSSEL, Deborah & GANGEMI, G.T. Sr., Computer Security Basics, O'Reilly, July 1992 (page 119).

A Sensitivity label must contain at least one classification and one category set.

Category set and Compartment set are synonyms, they mean the same thing. The sensitivity label must contain at least one Classification and at least one Category. It is common in some environments for a single item to belong to multiple categories. The list of all the categories to which an item belongs is called a compartment set or category set.

The following answers are incorrect:

the item's classification. Is incorrect because you need a category set as well.

the item's category. Is incorrect because category set and classification would be both be required.

The item's need to know. Is incorrect because there is no such thing. The need to know is indicated by the catergories the object belongs to. This is NOT the best answer.

Reference(s) used for this question:

OIG CBK, Access Control (pages 186 - 188)

AIO, 3rd Edition, Access Control (pages 162 - 163)

AIO, 4th Edittion, Access Control, pp 212-214.

Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandatory_Access_Control

Atoms and Data

Shon Harris says: "A device that performs degaussing generates a coercive magnetic force that reduces the magnetic flux density of the storage media to zero. This magnetic force is what properly erases data from media. Data are stored on magnetic media by the representation of the polarization of the atoms. Degaussing changes"

The latest ISC2 book says:

"Degaussing can also be a form of media destruction. High-power degaussers are so strong in some cases that they can literally bend and warp the platters in a hard drive. Shredding and burning are effective destruction methods for non-rigid magnetic media. Indeed, some shredders are capable of shredding some rigid media such as an optical disk. This may be an effective alternative for any optical media containing nonsensitive information due to the residue size remaining after feeding the disk into the machine. However, the residue size might be too large for media containing sensitive information. Alternatively, grinding and pulverizing are acceptable choices for rigid and solid-state media. Specialized devices are available for grinding the face of optical media that either sufficiently scratches the surface to render the media unreadable or actually grinds off the data layer of the disk. Several services also exist which will collect drives, destroy them on site if requested and provide certification of completion. It will be the responsibility of the security professional to help, select, and maintain the most appropriate solutions for media cleansing and disposal."

Degaussing is achieved by passing the magnetic media through a powerful magnet field to rearrange the metallic particles, completely removing any resemblance of the previously recorded signal (from the "all about degaussers link below). Therefore, degaussing will work on any electronic based media such as floppy disks, or hard disks - all of these are examples of electronic storage. However, "read-only media" includes items such as paper printouts and CD-ROM wich do not store data in an electronic form or is not magnetic storage. Passing them through a magnet field has no effect on them.

Not all clearing/ purging methods are applicable to all media— for example, optical media is not susceptible to degaussing, and overwriting may not be effective against Flash devices. The degree to which information may be recoverable by a sufficiently motivated and capable adversary must not be underestimated or guessed at in ignorance. For the highest-value commercial data, and for all data regulated by government or military classification rules, read and follow the rules and standards.

I will admit that this is a bit of a trick question. Determining the difference between "read-only media" and "read-only memory" is difficult for the question taker. However, I believe it is representative of the type of question you might one day see on an exam.

The other answers are incorrect because:

Floppy Disks, Magnetic Tapes, and Magnetic Hard Disks are all examples of magnetic storage, and therefore are erased by degaussing.

A videotape is a recording of images and sounds on to magnetic tape as opposed to film stock used in filmmaking or random access digital media. Videotapes are also used for storing scientific or medical data, such as the data produced by an electrocardiogram. In most cases, a helical scan video head rotates against the moving tape to record the data in two dimensions, because video signals have a very high bandwidth, and static heads would require extremely high tape speeds. Videotape is used in both video tape recorders (VTRs) or, more commonly and more recently, videocassette recorder (VCR) and camcorders. A Tape use a linear method of storing information and since nearly all video recordings made nowadays are digital direct to disk recording (DDR), videotape is expected to gradually lose importance as non-linear/random-access methods of storing digital video data become more common.

Reference(s) used for this question:

Harris, Shon (2012-10-25). CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide, 6th Edition (Kindle Locations 25627-25630). McGraw-Hill. Kindle Edition.

Schneiter, Andrew (2013-04-15). Official (ISC)2 Guide to the CISSP CBK, Third Edition : Security Operations (Kindle Locations 580-588). . Kindle Edition.

All About Degaussers and Erasure of Magnetic Media:

http://www.degausser.co.uk/degauss/degabout.htm

http://www.degaussing.net/

http://www.cerberussystems.com/INFOSEC/stds/ncsctg25.htm

They are responsible for security of the organization and the protection of its assets.

The following answers are incorrect because :

Data owner is incorrect as data owners should not decide as to what security measures should be applied.

Auditor is also incorrect as auditor cannot decide as to what security measures should be applied.

The information security specialist is also incorrect as they may have the technical knowledge of how security measures should be implemented and configured , but they should not be in a position of deciding what measures should be applied.

Reference : Shon Harris AIO v3 , Chapter-3: Security Management Practices , Page : 51.

Key clustering happens when a plaintext message generates identical ciphertext messages using the same transformation algorithm, but with different keys.

Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 4: Cryptography (page 130).

All other properties above apply to the Rijndael algorithm, chosen as the AES standard to replace DES.

The AES algorithm is capable of using cryptographic keys of 128, 192, and 256 bits to encrypt and decrypt data in blocks of 128 bits. Rijndael was designed to handle additional block sizes and key lengths, however they are not adopted in the AES standard.

IDEA cipher algorithm operates on 64-bit plaintext blocks and uses a 128 bit key.

Reference(s) used for this question:

http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/fips/fips197/fips-197.pdf

and

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard

Historically, a code refers to a cryptosystem that deals with linguistic units: words, phrases, sentences, and so forth. Codes are only useful for specialized circumstances where the message to transmit has an already defined equivalent ciphertext word.

Source: DUPUIS, Cl?ment, CISSP Open Study Guide on domain 5, cryptography, April 1999.

Triple DES encrypts a message three times. This encryption can be accomplished in several ways. The most secure form of triple DES is when the three encryptions are performed with three different keys.

Source: KRUTZ, Ronald L. & VINES, Russel D., The CISSP Prep Guide: Mastering the Ten Domains of Computer Security, John Wiley & Sons, 2001, Chapter 4: Cryptography (page 152).