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

Which type of malware protection can be bypassed by mutating malware?

1. Signature-based

2. Container-based

3. Application allow lists

4. Anomaly detection

The correct answer is: Signature-based

Signature-based malware protection is designed to detect known malicious software by comparing files against a database of signatures, which are unique identifiers of malware. However, when malware mutates, it can change its code while retaining its malicious functionality. This means that the signature of the newly mutated malware may not have a corresponding entry in the signature database. As a result, traditional signature-based systems may fail to recognize and block this newly altered version of malware, allowing it to bypass detection. In contrast, other methods of malware protection, such as container-based solutions, application allow lists, and anomaly detection, function differently and do not solely rely on predefined signatures. Container-based solutions isolate applications from the underlying system to prevent malware from affecting the entire environment. Application allow lists only permit specified applications to run, thus inherently blocking unapproved software. Anomaly detection, meanwhile, focuses on recognizing deviations from normal behavior, which helps to identify new and previously unknown threats, including mutated malware.