250-580 Endpoint Security Complete - R2 Technical Specialist Questions and Answers

In Symantec Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), theEntity Dumpfeature provides detailed activity recorder data related to a specific file hash. This data is essential for understanding the behavior and origin of a suspicious file, as well as tracking its activity across endpoints. Here’s how it works:

Hash-Based Search:The EDR solution allows the administrator to search by file hash, which helps retrieve a history of the file's interactions and activities.

Entity Dump Retrieval:Selecting the Entity Dump option provides comprehensive data, including process execution, file modification, network connections, and other endpoint interactions related to the file.

Enhanced Threat Analysis:By analyzing this information, the administrator gains insights into how the threat may have propagated, aiding in containment and mitigation efforts.

The Entity Dump is thus a vital tool in forensic analysis, providing detailed endpoint activity data for specified file hashes.

TheEndpoint searchfeature in Symantec Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is specifically used to search forreal-time indicators of compromise (IoCs)across endpoints. This feature allows administrators and security analysts to query and identify potential compromises on endpoints by looking for specific indicators such as file hashes, IP addresses, or registry keys.

Purpose of Endpoint Search:

Endpoint search enables a quick and focused investigation, helping identify endpoints that exhibit IoCs associated with known or suspected threats.

This real-time search capability is essential for incident response and threat hunting.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Domain search(Option A) is used for domain-level queries and not directly for IoCs.

Cloud Database search(Option C) andDevice Group search(Option D) may support broader searches but do not focus on endpoint-specific, real-time IoC searches.

References: Endpoint search provides a direct and efficient method for identifying real-time IoCs across the network, essential for quick threat response​.

In antimalware solutions,Level 5intensity is defined as a setting where the software blocks files that are considered either most certainly malicious or potentially malicious. This level aims to balance security with usability by erring on the side of caution; however, it acknowledges that some level of bothfalsepositives(legitimate files mistakenly flagged as threats) andfalse negatives(malicious files mistakenly deemed safe) may still occur.

This level is typically used in environments where security tolerance is high but with an understanding that some legitimate files might occasionally be flagged. It provides robust protection without the extreme strictness of the highest levels, thus reducing, but not eliminating, the possibility of false alerts while maintaining an aggressive security posture.

For anAfter Actions Reportin Symantec EDR, an Incident Responder should gather data from both theIncident ManagerandSyslog:

Incident Manager:

This is the primary interface for tracking incidents, where responders can review incident details, timeline, response actions, and associated IoCs. It provides a full view of the case, including actions taken and the threat’s impact on the environment.

Syslog:

Syslog captures logs and alerts from various network devices and security systems, providing valuable information on system events related to the incident. Collectingsyslog data helps in analyzing broader network impacts and documenting incident response activities.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

Policies(Option B) are not directly relevant to specific incident details.

Action Manager(Option D) tracks response actions but lacks the comprehensive case view provided by Incident Manager.

Endpoint Search(Option E) is a tool for querying endpoint data but is not a centralized reporting source.

References: Incident Manager and Syslog are crucial for gathering actionable data and documenting the response for After Actions Reports in EDR​.

To integrateSymantec Endpoint Detection and Response (SEDR)withSymantec Endpoint Protection (SEP)effectively, the recommended configuration order isECC, Synapse, then Insight Proxy.

Order of Configuration:

ECC (Endpoint Communication Channel): This establishes the communication layer for SEDR and SEP integration, which is foundational for data exchange.

Synapse: This integration uses data from ECC to correlate threat intelligence and provide context to detected threats.

Insight Proxy: Configured last, Insight Proxy adds cloud-based file reputation lookups, enhancing detection capabilities with reputation scoring.

Why This Order is Effective:

Each component builds on the previous one, maximizing the value of integration by ensuring that foundational communication (ECC) is established before adding Synapse correlation and Insight Proxy reputation data.

References: Configuring ECC, Synapse, and Insight Proxy in this order is considered best practice for optimizing integration benefits between SEDR and SEP​.

TheProcess Lineage Widgetin the Incident View of Symantec Endpoint Security provides a visual representation of theparent-child relationshipamong related security events, such as processes or activities stemming from a primary malicious action. This widget is valuable for tracing the origins and propagation paths of potential threats within a system, allowing security teams to identify the initial process that triggered subsequent actions. By displaying this hierarchical relationship, the Process Lineage Widget supports in-depth forensic analysis, helping administrators understand how an incident unfolded and assess the impact of each related security event in context.

Aranged queryin Symantec Endpoint Security returns or excludesdata that falls between two specified values for a given field. This type of query is beneficial for filtering data within specific numeric or date ranges. For instance:

Numeric Ranges:Ranged queries can be used to filter data based on a range of values, such as finding log entries with file sizes between certain values.

Date Ranges:Similarly, ranged queries can isolate data entries within a specific date range, which is useful for time-bound analysis.

This functionality allows for more targeted data retrieval, making it easier to analyze and report specific subsets of data.

Dark Cornersalarms are part of Threat Defense for Active Directory and are triggered when domain misconfigurations or hidden backdoors are detected within the directory environment. Here’s how this alarm functions:

Detection of Hidden Threats:Dark Corners identifies and alerts administrators to hidden vulnerabilities within the Active Directory, such as unauthorized access paths or misconfigurations that could be exploited.

Security Assurance:By identifying these issues, administrators can proactively address and rectify potential risks that are otherwise challenging to detect.

Improved Active Directory Security:The Dark Corners alarm helps ensure that backdoors and misconfigurations do not provide attackers with hidden access points, strengthening the overall security posture of Active Directory.

This feature allows for a deeper level of inspection within Active Directory, safeguarding against subtle yet critical security risks.

ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization)is a security technique used inMemory Exploit Mitigationthatrandomizes the memory address mapfor processes. By placing key data areas at random locations in memory, ASLR makes it more difficult for attackers to predict the locations of specific functions or buffers, thus preventing exploitation techniques that rely on fixed memory addresses.

How ASLR Enhances Security:

ASLR rearranges the location of executable code, heap, stack, and libraries each time a program is run, thwarting attacks that depend on known memory locations.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

ForceDEP(Option A) enforces Data Execution Prevention but does not randomize addresses.

SEHOP(Option B) mitigates exploits by protecting exception handling but does not involve address randomization.

ROPHEAP(Option D) refers to Return-Oriented Programming attacks rather than a mitigation technique.

References: ASLR is a widely used method in Memory Exploit Mitigation, adding randomness to memory locations to reduce vulnerability to exploitation​.

The Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) in Symantec Endpoint Protection operates by scanning inbound and outbound traffic packets against a defined list of signatures. This process aims to identify known attack patterns or anomalies that signify potential security threats.

When IPS detects a match in the traffic packet based on these custom signatures, the following sequence occurs:

Initial Detection and Match:The IPS engine actively monitors traffic in real-time, referencing its signature table. Each packet is checked sequentially until a match is found.

Halting Further Checks:Upon matching a signature with the inbound or outbound traffic, the IPS engine terminates further checks for other signatures in the same traffic packet. This design conserves system resources and optimizes performance by avoiding redundant processing once a threat has been identified.

Action on Detection:After identifying and confirming the threat based on the matched signature, the IPS engine enforces configured responses, such as blocking the packet, alerting administrators, or logging the event.

This approach ensures efficient threat detection by focusing only on the first detected signature, which prevents unnecessary processing overhead and ensures rapid incident response.

To identify devices on a Mac, administrators can use theGatherSymantecInfotool when the device is connected. This tool collects system information and diagnostic data specific to Symantec Endpoint Protection, helping administrators accurately identify and troubleshoot devices. Using GatherSymantecInfo ensures comprehensive data gathering, which is crucial for managing and supporting endpoints in a Mac environment.

In Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) Application Control policies, applications are managed through lists: an Allowed list (applications approved for use) and a Blocked list (applications restricted or prohibited). When a user encounters an application that is not explicitly on either the Allowed or Blocked list, it falls into a neutral category.

For accessing this application, the typical process includes:

Requesting an Override:The user can initiate a request to temporarily or permanently allow access to the application. This process usually involves contacting the administrator or following a specified override protocol to gain necessary permissions.

Administrator Review:Upon receiving the override request, the administrator evaluates the application to ensure it aligns with organizational security policies and compliance standards.

Override Approval:If deemed safe, the application may be added to the Allowed list, granting the user access.

This request mechanism ensures that unlisted appli

For locating unmanaged endpoints, administrators in Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM) can use the following scan range options:

IP Range within the Network:This option allows scanning of specific IP address ranges to locate devices that may not have SEP installed.

Subnet Range:Administrators can scan within specific subnets, providing a focused range to detect unmanaged endpoints in targeted sections of the network.

These options enable precise scans, helping administrators efficiently identify and manage unmanaged devices.

When an administrator uses the "Invite User" feature to distribute the Symantec Endpoint Security (SES) client, the end-user receives a direct link via email to download the SES client. This email typically includes:

Download Link:The email provides a secure link that directs the user to download the SES client installer directly from Symantec’s servers or a managed distribution location.

Installation Instructions:Clear instructions are often included to assist the end-user with installing the SES client on their device.

User Access Simplification:This approach streamlines the installation process by reducing the steps required for the user, making it convenient and ensuring they receive the correct client version.

This method enhances security and user convenience, as the SES client download is directly verified by the system, ensuring that the correct version is deployed.

To control which remote consoles and servers have access to theSymantec Endpoint Protection Management (SEPM) server, an administrator should edit theServer Propertiesand adjust theServer Communication Permissionunder the General tab. This setting specifies which remote systems are authorized to communicate with the management server, enhancing security by limiting access to trusted consoles and servers only. Adjusting the Server Communication Permission helps manage server access centrally and ensures only approved systems interact with the management server.

Before downloading a file from theIntegrated Cyber Defense Manager (ICDm), thehashof the file must be entered. The hash serves as a unique identifier for the file, ensuring that the correct file is downloaded and verifying its integrity. Here’s why this is necessary:

File Verification:By entering the hash, users confirm they are accessing the correct file, which prevents accidental downloads of unrelated or potentially harmful files.

Security Measure:The hash requirement adds an additional layer of security, helping to prevent unauthorized downloads or distribution of sensitive files.

This practice ensures accurate and secure file management within ICDm.

TheExfiltrationstage in the threat lifecycle is when attackers attempt togather and transfer valuable datafrom a compromised system to an external location under their control. This stage typically follows data discovery and involves:

Data Collection:Attackers collect sensitive information such as credentials, financial data, or intellectual property.

Data Transfer:The data is then transferred out of the organization’s network to the attacker’s servers, often through encrypted channels to avoid detection.

Significant Impact on Security and Privacy:Successful exfiltration can lead to substantial security and privacy violations, emphasizing the importance of detection and prevention mechanisms.

Exfiltration is a critical stage in a cyber attack, where valuable data is removed, posing a significant risk to the compromised organization.

TheSystemalert rule category includesevents generated about the cloud console. These alerts relate to system-level activities within the management console, such as administrative actions, system health checks, and other essential notifications related to console operations.

Types of Alerts in System Category:

System alerts cover activities directly associated with the console and infrastructure, ensuring that administrators are informed of significant changes or issues affecting the management platform itself.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Security(Option A) focuses on potential threats and security events.

Diagnostic(Option C) involves troubleshooting information but does not specifically cover console events.

Application Activity(Option D) pertains to application-specific events rather than console-level notifications.

References: System alerts provide visibility into cloud console-related events, crucial for managing and maintaining the console’s operational integrity​.

Threat Defense for Active Directory (TDAD) employsHoneypot Trapsas a primary prevention technique to detect and expose attackers. These honeypot traps act as decoys within the network, mimicking legitimate Active Directory (AD) objects or data that would attract attackers aiming to gather AD information or exploit AD weaknesses.

Honeypot Trap Functionality:

Honeypot traps are strategically placed to appear as appealing targets, such as privileged accounts or critical directories, without being part of the actual AD infrastructure.

When attackers interact with these traps, TDAD records their actions, which can then trigger alerts, allowing administrators to identify and monitor suspicious activities.

Exposure and Mitigation:

By enticing attackers to interact with fake assets, honeypot traps help expose malicious intentions and techniques. This information can be used for forensic analysis and to enhance future defenses.

This technique allows organizations to expose potential threats proactively, before any real AD resources are compromised.

References: This approach is part of Symantec’s Active Directory security strategies and utilizes honeypot mechanisms to deter and identify intruders in real-time​.

ThePush Discoveryprocess in Symantec Endpoint Protection requires theLocalAccountTokenFilterPolicyregistry value to be configured on Windows endpoints. This registry setting enables remote management and discovery operations by allowing administrator credentials to pass correctly when discovering and deploying SEP clients.

Purpose of LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy:

By adding this value to the Windows registry, administrators ensure that SEP can discover endpoints on the network and initiate installations or other management tasks without being blocked by local account filtering.

How to Configure the Registry:

The administrator should addLocalAccountTokenFilterPolicyin the Windows Registry underHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System and set it to 1.

This configuration allows for remote actions essential forPush Discovery.

Reasoning Against Other Options:

Push EnrollmentandDevice Enrollmentare distinct processes and do not require this registry setting.

Auto Discoverypassively finds systems and does not rely on registry changes for remote access.

References: Configuring theLocalAccountTokenFilterPolicyregistry value is necessary for enabling remote management functions during the Push Discovery process in SEP​.

To locate unmanaged endpoints within a specific network subnet, an administrator should utilize theDiscover and Deploysetting. This feature scans the network for endpoints without security management, enabling administrators to identify and initiate the deployment of Symantec Endpoint Protection agents on unmanaged devices. This proactive approach ensures comprehensive coverage across the network, allowing for efficient detection and management of all endpoints within the organization.

To ensure that clients checking in every 10 days receivexdelta content packagesinstead of full content packages,30 content revisionsmust be retained on the Symantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM). Here’s why:

Incremental Updates:xdelta packages are incremental updates that only download changes since the last update, conserving bandwidth and speeding up client updates.

Content Revision Retention:SEPM needs to retain a sufficient number of content revisions to allow clients that check in intermittently (such as every 10 days) to download incremental rather than full content packages.

Default Retention Recommendation:Retaining 30 content revisions ensures that clients are covered for up to 10 days of updates, meeting the requirement for xdelta delivery.

This setup optimizes resource usage by reducing the load on network and client systems.

TheRestricted Administratorrole in theIntegrated Cyber Defense Manager (ICDm)has themost limited permissionsamong the default roles. This role is intended for users who need access to basic functionality without any critical or high-level administrative capabilities, ensuring a lower risk of accidental or unauthorized changes.

Role of Restricted Administrator:

Restricted Administrators have highly constrained access, typically limited to viewing specific information and performing minimal actions.

Why Other Roles Are Incorrect:

Endpoint Console Domain Administrator(Option A) andServer Administrator(Option B) have broader permissions to manage endpoint settings and server configurations.

Limited Administrator(Option D) has more permissions than Restricted Administrator, though still not full access.

References: The Restricted Administrator role provides minimal permissions, ensuring limited system access and reducing security risks associated with more privileged roles​.

Administrators can use theApplication Catalogin Symantec Endpoint Security to create custom behavioral isolation policies. This tool compiles data on application behavior, enabling administrators to define isolation policies that address specific behaviors observed within their environment. By leveraging the Application Catalog, administrators can tailor policies based on the behaviors of applications, enhancing the control and containment of potentially malicious activity.

TheFirewallprovides a complementary layer of protection to Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) in Symantec Endpoint Protection.

Firewall vs. IPS:

While IPS detects and blocks network-based attacks by inspecting traffic for known malicious patterns, the firewall controls network access by monitoring and filtering inbound and outbound traffic based on policy rules.

Together, these tools protect against a broader range of network threats. IPS is proactive in identifying malicious traffic, while the firewall prevents unauthorized access.

Two-Layer Defense Mechanism:

The firewall provides control over which ports, protocols, and applications can access the network, reducing the attack surface.

When combined with IPS, the firewall blocks unauthorized connections, while IPS actively inspects and prevents malicious content within allowed traffic.

Why Other Options Are Not Complementary:

Host Integrity focuses on compliance and configuration validation rather than direct network traffic protection.

Network Protection and Antimalware are essential but do not function as second-layer defenses for IPS within network contexts.

References: Symantec Endpoint Protection’s network protection strategies outline the importance of firewalls in conjunction with IPS for comprehensive network defense​.

To control which remote consoles and servers have access to theSymantec Endpoint Protection Management (SEPM) server, an administrator should edit theServer Propertiesand adjust theServer Communication Permissionunder the General tab. This setting specifies which remote systems are authorized to communicate with the management server, enhancing security by limiting access to trusted consoles and servers only. Adjusting the Server Communication Permission helps manage server access centrally and ensures only approved systems interact with the management server.

Application Controlin Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP) provides the SEP team with the ability to control and monitor the behavior of applications. This technology enables administrators to set policies that restrict or allow specific application behaviors, effectively controlling the environment and reducing risk from unauthorized or harmful applications. Here’s how it works:

Policy-Based Controls:Administrators can create policies that define which applications are allowed or restricted, preventing unauthorized applications from executing.

Behavior Monitoring:Application Control can monitor application actions, detecting unusual or potentially harmful behaviors and alerting administrators.

Enhanced Security:By controlling application behavior, SEP helps mitigate threats by preventing suspicious applications from affecting the environment, which is particularly valuable in post-outbreak recovery and ongoing health checks.

Application Control thus strengthens endpoint defenses by enabling real-time management of application behaviors.

InSymantec Endpoint Detection and Response (SEDR), theBlock Listfeature allows administrators to manually block a specific file hash identified as malicious. By adding the hash of the malicious file to the Block List, SEDR ensures that the file cannot execute or interact with the network, preventing further harm. This manual blocking capability provides administrators with direct control over specific threats detected in their environment.

Aranged queryin Symantec Endpoint Security returns or excludesdata that falls between two specified values for a given field. This type of query is beneficial for filtering data within specific numeric or date ranges. For instance:

Numeric Ranges:Ranged queries can be used to filter data based on a range of values, such as finding log entries with file sizes between certain values.

Date Ranges:Similarly, ranged queries can isolate data entries within a specific date range, which is useful for time-bound analysis.

This functionality allows for more targeted data retrieval, making it easier to analyze and report specific subsets of data.

TheAdministrator roleis required to useLiveShellin Symantec’s Integrated Cyber Defense Manager (ICDm). LiveShell allows administrators to open a command-line interface on endpoints, providing direct access for troubleshooting and incident response.

Why Administrator Role is Necessary:

LiveShell grants high-level access to endpoints, so it is limited to users with Administrator privileges to prevent misuse and ensure only authorized personnel can initiate command-line sessions on endpoints.

Why Other Roles Are Incorrect:

Security Analyst(Option A) andViewer(Option C) do not have the necessary permissions to execute commands on endpoints.

Any(Option D) is incorrect because LiveShell access is restricted to the Administrator role for security reasons.

References: Administrator permissions are required to utilize LiveShell, ensuring only authorized users can access endpoint command interfaces for troubleshooting or response​.

TheEndpoint Communication Channel (ECC) 2.0enables Symantec Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to establish a direct connection with theSymantec Endpoint Protection Manager (SEPM). This connection allows for:

Efficient Data Exchange:ECC 2.0 facilitates real-time communication and data exchange between SEPM and Symantec EDR.

Enhanced Endpoint Visibility:By directly connecting with SEPM, Symantec EDR can monitor endpoint activity more closely, improving threat detection and response.

Integrated Threat Management:ECC 2.0 supports coordinated efforts between SEPM and EDR, allowing for more effective containment and mitigation of threats.

This direct communication with SEPM enhances EDR’s capability to manage and protect endpoints effectively.

TheThreat Defense for Active Directory (AD) Deceptive Accountfeature serves as a honeypot within Active Directory, designed to lure attackers who are attempting to map out AD for valuable accounts or resources. By using deceptive accounts, this feature can expose attackers’ reconnaissance activities, such as attempts to gather credential information or access sensitive accounts. This strategy helps detect attackers early by observing interactions with fake accounts set up to appear as attractive targets.

Symantec Insight usesPrevalenceandAgeas two primary criteria to evaluate binary executables. These metrics help determine the likelihood that a file is either benign or malicious based on its behavior across a broad user base:

Prevalence:This metric assesses how widely a file is used across Symantec’s global community. Files with higher prevalence are generally more likely to be safe, while rare files may pose higher risks.

Age:The age of a file is also considered. Older files with a stable reputation are less likely to be malicious, whereas newer, unverified files are scrutinized more closely.

Using these criteria, Symantec Insight provides reliable reputation ratings for binary files, enhancing endpoint security by preemptively identifying potential threats.

To locate unmanaged endpoints within a specific network subnet, an administrator should utilize theDiscover and Deploysetting. This feature scans the network for endpoints without security management, enabling administrators to identify and initiate the deployment of Symantec Endpoint Protection agents on unmanaged devices. This proactive approach ensures comprehensive coverage across the network, allowing for efficient detection and management of all endpoints within the organization.

In the Discovery phase of a cyber attack, attackers attempt to map the network, identify vulnerabilities, and gather information.FirewallandIntrusion Prevention System (IPS)are the most effective security controls to mitigate threats associated with this phase:

Firewall:The firewall restricts unauthorized network access, blocking suspicious or unexpected traffic that could be part of reconnaissance efforts.

IPS:Intrusion Prevention Systems detect and prevent suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate scanning or probing activity, which are common in the Discovery phase.

Together, these controls limit attackers’ ability to explore the network and identify potential vulnerabilities.

To calculate theretention ratein Symantec Endpoint Security (SES), the following information is required:

Number of Endpoints:Determines the total scope of data generation.

EAR Data per Endpoint per Day:This is the Endpoint Activity Recorder data size generated daily by each endpoint.

Number of Days to Retain:Defines the retention period for data storage, impacting the total data volume.

Number of Endpoint Dumps and Dump Size:These parameters contribute to overall storage needs for log data and event tracking.

This data allows administrators to accurately project storage requirements and ensure adequate capacity for data retention.

When considering a single-site deployment for Symantec Endpoint Protection (SEP), the following two factors support this architecture:

Sufficient WAN Bandwidth (B):

A single-site SEP environment relies on robust WAN bandwidth to support endpoint communication, policy updates, and threat data synchronization across potentially distant locations.

High bandwidth ensures that endpoints remain responsive to management commands and receive updates without significant delays.

Delay-free, Centralized Reporting (C):

A single-site architecture enables all reporting data to be stored and accessed from one location, providing immediate insights into threats and system health across the organization.

Centralized reporting is ideal when administrators need quick access to consolidated data for faster decision-making and incident response.

Why Other Options Are Not As Relevant:

Organizational mergers(A) andlegal constraints(E) do not necessarily benefit from a single-site architecture.

24x7 admin availability(D) is more related to staffing requirements rather than a justification for a single-site SEP deployment.

References: Sufficient bandwidth and centralized reporting capabilities are key factors in SEP deployment architecture, especially for single-site setups​.

When an administrator adds a file to the deny list in Symantec Endpoint Protection, the file is automaticallyassigned to the default Deny List policy. This action results in the following:

Immediate Blocking:The file is blocked from executing on any endpoint where the Deny List policy is enforced, effectively preventing the file from causing harm.

Consistent Enforcement:Using the default Deny List policy ensures that the file is denied access across all relevant endpoints without the need for additional customization.

Centralized Management:Administrators can manage and review the default Deny List policy within SEPM, providing an efficient method for handling potentially harmful files across the network.

This default behavior ensures swift response to threats by leveraging a centralized deny list policy.

Lateral Movementis the type of security threat used by attackers toexploit vulnerable applicationsand move across systems within a network. This technique allows attackers to gain access to multiple systems by exploiting vulnerabilities in applications, thereby advancing deeper into the network.

Understanding Lateral Movement:

Lateral movement involves exploiting software vulnerabilities to access additional systems and data resources.

Attackers use this method to spread their influence within a compromised network, often leveraging application vulnerabilities to pivot to other systems.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Privilege Escalation(Option B) focuses on gaining higher access rights on a single system.

Credential Access(Option C) involves stealing login credentials rather than exploiting applications.

Command and Control(Option D) refers to the communication between compromised devices and an attacker’s server, not the exploitation of applications.

References: Lateral movement leverages application vulnerabilities to expand attacker access within an organization’s network, making it a common threat vector in targeted attacks​.

Afile fingerprint listis used to prevent specific programs from running by identifying them through unique file attributes (such as hashes). This list allows administrators to create block rules based on known malicious or unwanted file fingerprints, ensuring these programs cannot execute on the system. This approach is particularly effective in enforcing application control and preventing unauthorized software from running.

To enhance security and prevent further attempts from the intruder after the Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) has detected and blocked an attack, the administrator should enable the setting toAutomatically block an attacker's IP address. Here’s why this setting is critical:

Immediate Action Against Threats: By automatically blocking the IP address of the detected attacker, the firewall can prevent any further communication attempts from that address. This helps to mitigate the risk of subsequent attacks or reconnections.

Proactive Defense Mechanism: Enabling this feature serves as a proactive defense strategy, minimizing the chances of successful future intrusions by making it harder for the attacker to re-establish a connection to the network.

Reduction of Administrative Overhead: Automating this response allows the security team to focus on investigating and remediating the incident rather than manually tracking and blocking malicious IP addresses, thus optimizing incident response workflows.

Layered Security Approach: This setting complements other security measures, such as intrusion detection and port scan detection, creating a layered security approach that enhances overall network security.

Enabling automatic blocking of an attacker’s IP address directly addresses the immediate risk posed by the detected intrusion and reinforces the organization’s defense posture against future threats.

In Symantec Endpoint Detection and Response (SEDR), thetimeout for the file deletion commandis set to72 hours (3 days). This means that once a deletion command is issued, it remains active for 72 hours, allowing sufficient time for the command to execute, especially in scenarios where the endpoint may not immediately respond due to network issues or system unavailability.

References: This configuration aligns with Symantec’s endpoint response protocols for command timeout windows in SEDR systems​.