312-85 ECCouncil Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst (CTIA) Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)

For gathering strategic threat intelligence that provides a high-level overview of the current cybersecurity posture, potential financial impacts of cyber activities, and overarching threats, sources such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) vendors, and Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs)/Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) are invaluable. OSINT involves collecting data from publicly available sources, CTI vendors specialize in providing detailed threat intelligence services, and ISAOs/ISACs facilitate the sharing of threat data within specific industries or communities. These sources can provide broad insights into threat landscapes, helping organizations understand how to align their cybersecurity strategies with current trends and threats.

Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs) are nonprofit organizations established to facilitate secure sharing of threat intelligence among companies within a specific industry sector.

ISACs provide:

A trusted platform for sharing cyber threat indicators.

Secure mechanisms for communication and collaboration.

Analytical services that enhance shared threat data for participating members.

Each ISAC is industry-specific (for example, Financial Services ISAC, Energy ISAC) and provides members with reports, advisories, and data analytics to strengthen collective defense.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

Trading partners: Share intelligence directly between organizations with established business relationships.

Informal contacts: Represent ad hoc, trust-based sharing without a formal structure.

Commercial vendors: Offer paid threat intelligence feeds or services, not nonprofit community-based sharing.

Conclusion:

Tech Knights Inc. should use an Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) to share intelligence securely and collaboratively.

Final Answer: B. Information Sharing and Analysis Centers (ISACs)

Explanation Reference (Based on CTIA Study Concepts):

According to CTIA’s section on “Information Sharing Models,” ISACs are nonprofit entities that promote collaboration and data exchange for cyber threat intelligence within industry sectors.

The described activity involves pretending to be a legitimate or authorized person in order to gather sensitive information. This social engineering technique is known as Impersonation.

Impersonation is a form of deception in which the attacker pretends to be someone else — such as an employee, contractor, or service technician — to gain access to restricted information or areas. In this method, the attacker often relies on trust, authority, or familiarity to manipulate others into revealing confidential data.

In the scenario, the analyst obtained information by observing terminals, searching desks, and examining bins while pretending to be a trusted individual. This fits the definition of impersonation rather than other social engineering methods.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

Shoulder surfing: Involves directly observing someone’s screen or keyboard to capture credentials or data, not pretending to be someone else.

Piggybacking: Refers to physically following an authorized person into a restricted area without proper authentication.

Dumpster diving: Involves searching discarded items, such as trash or recycle bins, to find confidential information, without human interaction or pretense.

Conclusion:

The analyst used Impersonation to pose as an authorized person and collect sensitive data.

Final Answer: A. Impersonation

Explanation Reference (Based on CTIA Study Concepts):

From the CTIA study materials under “Social Engineering and Threat Collection Techniques,” impersonation is identified as a key human-based technique for gathering information during reconnaissance.

The activity described involves reviewing outcomes, identifying improvements, and documenting lessons learned, which corresponds to Reporting Findings and Recommendations.

This activity takes place in the evaluation and feedback phase of the threat intelligence lifecycle. It ensures the program remains effective and continuously improves based on real-world results and organizational feedback.

Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:

B. Determine the fulfillment of stakeholders: Focuses on verifying if stakeholder requirements are met, not overall program performance.

C. Conduct a gap analysis: Identifies missing capabilities or processes, but does not encompass reviewing program success.

D. Determine the costs and benefits: Involves financial evaluation, not operational assessment.

Conclusion:

James was engaged in the Report Findings and Recommendations phase of program evaluation.

Final Answer: A. Report findings and recommendations

Explanation Reference (Based on CTIA Study Concepts):

CTIA highlights reporting findings and recommendations as a crucial feedback mechanism to enhance the effectiveness of intelligence programs.

In the Traffic Light Protocol (TLP), the color amber signifies that the information should be limited to those who have a need-to-know within the specified community or organization, and not further disseminated without permission. TLP Red indicates information that should not be disclosed outside of the originating organization. TLP Green indicates information that is limited to the community but can be disseminated within the community without restriction. TLP White, or TLP Clear, indicates information that can be shared freely with no restrictions. Therefore, for information meant to be shared within a particular community with some restrictions on further dissemination, TLP Amber is the appropriate designation.