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

Which step is involved in getting malware to run on the inside of the targeted organization?

1. Weaponization and Delivery

2. Exploitation and Installation

3. Command and Control

4. Actions on the Objective

The correct answer is: Exploitation and Installation

The step that involves getting malware to run within the targeted organization is the process of exploitation and installation. This phase typically follows the initial stages of a cyber attack where the attacker has already weaponized the malware and delivered it to the target. During exploitation, the attacker takes advantage of vulnerabilities within the target's systems, such as software flaws or misconfigurations, to execute the malicious code. This step is crucial because it is where the attacker's plans transition from theoretical to practical—transforming an otherwise benign interaction (like opening an email) into a compromised system. Once the malware has been successfully executed, the installation phase kicks in, where the malware entrench itself into the environment. This may involve installing backdoors, establishing persistence to avoid detection, and setting the groundwork for further actions, such as data exfiltration or lateral movement within the network. Understanding this progression is critical in cybersecurity, as it highlights the vulnerabilities in systems that attackers may exploit and emphasizes the importance of implementing robust defenses and response strategies to detect and neutralize such threats early in the attack lifecycle.