GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

What is a Drive By Download attack?

1. Where the attacker compromises a site that their target visits often and installs malware

2. Where the attacker takes over a session in progress from a user

3. Where the attacker drives by the user's house and downloads their files off their local internet

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Where the attacker compromises a site that their target visits often and installs malware

A Drive By Download attack refers to a scenario in which malicious software is automatically downloaded and installed onto a user's system without their explicit consent. This typically occurs when the user visits a compromised or malicious website that exploits vulnerabilities in the user's browser or its plugins. In this context, option A accurately describes the nature of such attacks, highlighting that the attacker compromises a site frequented by the target. When the target visits this site, the embedded malicious code is executed, leading to the installation of malware. This can happen even without the user's awareness, making it a particularly stealthy and effective method for attackers to compromise systems and deploy malware. The other responses do not accurately capture the essence of a Drive By Download attack. The second choice refers to session hijacking, which involves taking over an active user session rather than exploiting a website. The third choice presents a fictional scenario that does not align with the characteristics of cybersecurity threats. Lastly, the fourth choice is unnecessary since the correct answer has already been correctly identified in option A.