SANS Assessment of Student Learning Plan (ASLP) Security Awareness Training

What is the most likely risk posed by Colin in a targeted attack scenario?

1. He will report suspicious activity

2. Colin can be used as a stepping stone to gain initial access to the network

3. Colin has no access to sensitive data

4. Colin is trained to recognize phishing attempts

The correct answer is: Colin can be used as a stepping stone to gain initial access to the network

In a targeted attack scenario, Colin represents a potential vulnerability within the security architecture, making him a likely stepping stone for attackers to gain initial access to the network. Attackers often look for individuals who may have limited security knowledge or lower access permissions to exploit as entry points. If Colin is not fully aware of the risks or has weak security practices, such as poor password management or lack of awareness regarding suspicious communications, he could inadvertently assist attackers in their attempts to infiltrate the system. By successfully manipulating Colin, whether through social engineering or exploiting his access, adversaries can create a foothold within the network. From there, they can escalate their privileges, move laterally, or extract sensitive information, all of which amplify the risk to the entire organization. This makes it critical for all employees, including Colin, to receive comprehensive training in recognizing and reporting threats, thereby reducing the risk of being exploited in such scenarios. The other choices do not present a significant risk in the context of a targeted attack. Reporting suspicious activities or recognizing phishing attempts indicates a proactive stance toward security, while not having access to sensitive data reduces the potential impact of an attack involving Colin.