Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET) Practice Exam

Which stage of the cyberattack lifecycle involves querying public databases and testing exploits in the attacker's internal network?

1. Reconnaissance

2. Weaponization and Delivery

3. Exploitation

4. Installation

The correct answer is: Weaponization and Delivery

The stage of the cyberattack lifecycle that involves querying public databases and testing exploits is known as the Reconnaissance phase. In this initial stage, attackers gather information about their target to identify potential vulnerabilities. This includes searching for data that is publicly available, such as company websites, social media profiles, and databases, to understand the target's structure, employee roles, and potential weaknesses. During the Reconnaissance phase, attackers may also set up their environment to test various exploits within their own internal networks. This helps them refine their approach and determine which methods might be most effective against the target. The Weaponization and Delivery phase, on the other hand, focuses on creating malicious payloads (weapons) and delivering them to the target, which comes after the reconnaissance has been completed. Understanding this lifecycle is crucial for identifying and mitigating threats effectively.