CompTIA CySA+ Practice Test

Which function does a security appliance perform when sandboxing attachments?

1. Alter the data of the attachment

2. Analyze and evaluate the behavior of files

3. Remove harmful files from the network

4. Encrypt files before delivery

The correct answer is: Analyze and evaluate the behavior of files

When sandboxing attachments, the primary function of a security appliance is to analyze and evaluate the behavior of files. During this process, the attachment is executed in a controlled and isolated environment known as a sandbox. This allows the appliance to monitor how the file behaves, identifying any malicious actions it may attempt to perform, such as accessing sensitive data, attempting to propagate itself, or interacting with the system in harmful ways. The sandboxing approach is particularly useful because it can detect zero-day threats or unfamiliar malicious files without risking the security of the broader network. This proactive measure helps ensure that potential threats are identified and mitigated before they can cause harm. In contrast, altering data, removing files, or encrypting files do not represent the primary objective of sandboxing; instead, these functions may come into play at different stages of cybersecurity management, but they are not indicative of the sandboxing process itself.