CyberArk PAM-DEF Exam Dumps & Practice Test Questions

Question 1:

To successfully enable LDAP over SSL (LDAPS) for the CyberArk Vault, which of the following must be present on the Vault server?

A. The CA certificate(s) used to sign the LDAP server’s SSL certificate
B. The RECPRV.key file
C. The private key of the LDAP (external directory) server
D. A self-signed certificate for the Vault server

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

When configuring LDAP over SSL (LDAPS) in a CyberArk Vault environment, establishing a trust relationship between the Vault and the external directory server (typically Microsoft Active Directory) is fundamental. This trust is enabled through SSL certificates, which authenticate the identity of the LDAP server and ensure the communication channel is encrypted and secure.

The correct step to ensure this trust is to install the CA certificate—that is, the Certificate Authority certificate that was used to sign the SSL certificate of the LDAP server—on the Vault server. The CyberArk Vault must be able to verify the authenticity of the SSL certificate that the LDAP server presents during the handshake. Without this verification, the Vault cannot establish a secure connection and will reject LDAPS authentication attempts.

The CA certificate(s) serve as the trusted root from which the LDAP server’s certificate chains. If the Vault has no knowledge of this root (i.e., if the CA cert isn’t installed), it will consider the LDAP certificate untrusted and terminate the connection.

Let’s clarify why the other options are incorrect:

• B. RECPRV.key: This is the Replication Private Key, used strictly for secure communication between multiple Vault servers during replication. It is irrelevant to LDAP integration.

• C. Private key for the external directory: The Vault should never require, possess, or manage the private key of the LDAP server. That key must remain secure and private within the directory server’s SSL configuration. Sharing it would violate security best practices.

• D. Self-signed certificates for the Vault: These are used for securing communications originating from the Vault, not for verifying incoming SSL certificates. They play no role in validating the directory server's certificate.

In conclusion, enabling LDAPS securely involves placing trusted CA certificates on the Vault server. This allows it to verify the SSL certificate chain from the LDAP server, ensuring encrypted, authenticated communication.

Question 2:

While investigating slow performance issues in CyberArk Password Vault Web Access (PVWA), which two log files should be reviewed first for relevant performance diagnostics?

A. ITALog.log
B. web.config
C. CyberArk.WebApplication.log
D. CyberArk.WebConsole.log

Correct Answers: A and C

Explanation:

When troubleshooting performance degradation in CyberArk’s PVWA interface, one of the most effective approaches is to consult the appropriate log files that capture detailed backend processing, API response times, and system behavior under load. The goal is to quickly identify where delays originate—be it authentication processes, Vault communication, web layer processing, or exceptions thrown by the application.

A. ITALog.log is a critical log file that captures events related to Identity and Access management within CyberArk. It contains rich detail on authentication events, API call responses, and backend session initialization routines. When a user experiences slow login times or delayed access to safe objects, these interactions are often logged here. If there’s latency due to misconfigured LDAP, overloaded application servers, or timeouts, this log often reveals it first.

C. CyberArk.WebApplication.log is another primary log file essential for diagnosing application-level slowdowns. It tracks web requests, internal processing delays, errors, and exception stack traces. Since it logs real-time actions taken by users and system responses, it's extremely helpful when pinpointing UI hang-ups or unexpected latency during navigation or vault interactions.

Now let’s clarify why the remaining options are less useful:

• B. web.config: This is not a log file but rather a configuration file. It defines app settings like timeout values and debug flags. While useful for advanced debugging setups, it offers no live performance insights or logs.

• D. CyberArk.WebConsole.log: This log file mainly captures frontend console actions, such as UI clicks or static content loads. It’s typically used for minor UI issues, not system-wide slowness.

In summary, to resolve slow performance in PVWA, begin your investigation with ITALog.log and CyberArk.WebApplication.log. These logs will reveal if the root cause lies in authentication delays, database calls, internal exceptions, or high API latency, enabling a more efficient resolution strategy.

Question 3:

What is the most efficient way to create a new platform in CyberArk that is based on an existing one?

A. Copy the Policy.ini file in PrivateArk and rename it.
B. Use the PVWA interface to select an existing platform and click “Duplicate”; then assign a new name.
C. Edit the PVConfiguration.xml file in PrivateArk and update the policyName manually.
D. In PVWA, select a platform, modify it, and click “Save as” instead of “Save” to create a new version.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In CyberArk, managing privileged account platforms is an essential part of customizing how credentials are handled across various systems and applications. A platform defines rules for password management, connectivity methods, and session recording configurations. When you need to onboard a new system that’s similar to an existing one, the most straightforward approach is to duplicate an existing platform and then customize it as needed.

The most efficient and user-friendly way to do this is through CyberArk’s PVWA (Password Vault Web Access) interface. Within the PVWA platform management page, you can simply select a platform that closely resembles the requirements of your new system and use the “Duplicate” button. This action creates an exact copy of the selected platform and prompts you to assign it a new name. Once duplicated, you can modify its properties—such as password change scripts, platform behavior, and credential requirements—without affecting the original platform. This approach ensures consistency and helps prevent manual configuration errors.

Let’s evaluate the incorrect options:

• A (Copying the Policy.ini file via PrivateArk): This is not recommended. Manually copying policy files may cause dependency issues and bypass critical version tracking mechanisms built into the platform. It also increases the likelihood of human error.

• C (Editing PVConfiguration.xml): This approach is risky and reserved for advanced users or special scenarios. Modifying core configuration files manually can lead to misconfigurations or system instability. It’s neither the easiest nor the safest method for duplicating platforms.

• D (“Save as” in PVWA): While this might seem like a viable workaround, using "Save as" is not intended for platform duplication. It may not retain internal references and dependencies correctly, which can result in unpredictable behavior.

The best practice, especially for administrators aiming for efficiency and system integrity, is to use the “Duplicate” feature within the PVWA. It streamlines the process and leverages built-in validation to ensure platform integrity. Therefore, B is the correct answer.

Question 4:

Which two types of privileged accounts are most commonly secured using CyberArk's PAM solution? (Choose two)

A. System administrator accounts
B. Service accounts
C. End user accounts
D. Application accounts
E. Domain administrator accounts

Correct Answers: A, E

Explanation:

CyberArk’s Privileged Access Management (PAM) solution is designed to help organizations protect sensitive and powerful accounts that have broad access to systems and data. Not all accounts are equal in terms of risk and control, so PAM focuses primarily on privileged accounts—those with elevated permissions that, if misused or compromised, can cause significant damage to an organization’s IT infrastructure.

Among the types of privileged accounts, two stand out as the most critical and commonly managed within CyberArk:

1. System Administrator Accounts (A): These accounts are responsible for managing local or remote operating systems—Windows, Linux, or Unix machines. They typically have root or administrator-level access, allowing them to install applications, change system settings, and access all files on a device. Their broad control makes them a frequent target for cyberattacks, insider threats, or accidental misconfigurations. As such, these accounts are a primary focus of CyberArk’s credential vaulting, session isolation, and access auditing.

2. Domain Administrator Accounts (E): Even more sensitive, domain admin accounts in environments like Microsoft Active Directory can control all user accounts, devices, and security policies across the network. If compromised, they provide attackers with the ability to move laterally through an entire organization. Because of their critical role, CyberArk enforces strict controls such as access request approvals, automated credential rotation, and session monitoring for these accounts.

Now, consider the remaining options:

• B (Service Accounts): These are typically used for machine-to-machine authentication. While privileged, they often fall under specialized PAM modules or extended management policies—not necessarily the core focus.

• C (End User Accounts): Regular user accounts do not usually fall under PAM unless elevated with admin rights. These are generally managed by identity governance tools rather than CyberArk’s core PAM suite.

• D (Application Accounts): These are used by applications to access databases or other systems. Though privileged, they are usually handled by CyberArk Application Access Manager (AAM), a separate module tailored for managing secrets in application environments.

In conclusion, System Administrator and Domain Administrator accounts represent the most privileged and high-risk access in any organization. CyberArk's PAM suite provides advanced tools to manage these accounts securely, making A and E the correct answers.

Question 5:

What is the correct method to disable session monitoring and recording for 500 test accounts in a lab environment to conserve storage resources?

A. Navigate to Master Policy > Session Management > Add Exceptions to platform(s) > Disable Session Monitoring and Recording
B. Go to Administration > Platform Management > Select platform(s) > Disable Session Monitoring and Recording
C. Access Policies > Access Control (Safes) > Choose safe(s) > Disable Session Monitoring and Recording
D. Use Administration > Configuration Options > Options > Privilege Session Management > Disable Session Monitoring and Recording

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

In CyberArk, session monitoring and recording are centrally controlled through the Master Policy, which acts as a governing framework for enforcing privileged access security rules across all managed accounts and systems. The objective in this scenario is to exempt a large group of test accounts—about 500—from session recording due to limited storage capacity, without affecting the monitoring settings for production accounts.

The best and most secure way to achieve this is by configuring exceptions within the Master Policy. Here's why:

• Option A is correct because it utilizes platform-level exceptions to override default Master Policy rules. When you navigate to Master Policy > Session Management, you can add exceptions to specific platforms that relate to the test accounts. Once added, you can selectively disable session monitoring and recording for these platforms. This ensures the test accounts are excluded from these storage-heavy features while production accounts remain protected.

• Option B appears similar but is incorrect. Editing the settings at the platform level alone does not override rules enforced by the Master Policy unless explicit exceptions are granted there. Without configuring those exceptions, changes at the platform level won't have the desired effect.

• Option C is misleading because Access Control at the Safe level is primarily about managing user permissions like “Retrieve” or “Initiate Session.” It does not govern whether those sessions are being recorded. Therefore, it cannot be used to control session monitoring behavior.

• Option D affects global configurations under Privilege Session Management. Turning off recording from here would impact all sessions across the system, not just for the test users. This lacks granularity and introduces security risks by disabling protections for production environments.

In summary, the only approach that allows you to selectively disable session recording for test accounts—without disrupting the policy for others—is to create platform-specific exceptions in the Master Policy. This gives you precise control, making Option A the most effective and secure answer.

Question 6:

An administrator needs to identify who is allowed to approve dual-control password access requests. Where in CyberArk can they find this list of approvers?

A. PVWA > Administration > Platform Configuration > Edit Platform > UI & Workflow > Dual Control > Approvers
B. PVWA > Policies > Access Control (Safes) > Select Safe > Safe Members > Workflow > Authorize Password Requests
C. PVWA > Account List > Edit > Advanced Settings > Dual Control > Direct Managers
D. PrivateArk > Admin Tools > Users and Groups > Auditors Group

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

In CyberArk, dual-control is a critical security mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized access to privileged credentials by requiring one or more approvers before access is granted. When dual-control is enabled, a user requesting access to a password must have that request explicitly approved by authorized personnel.

The key to identifying who can approve such access lies in the Access Control settings of the Safe where the account is stored. Specifically, the list of users or groups authorized to approve password requests is found under the Safe Members' permissions section.

• Option B is correct. By going to PVWA > Policies > Access Control (Safes) and selecting the appropriate Safe, the administrator can view the list of members. Under each member’s role, there is a set of workflow permissions, one of which is “Authorize Password Requests.” Anyone with this permission is empowered to approve dual-control access requests for passwords in that Safe.

• Option A is incorrect because the Platform Configuration section controls behavior and UI for how password access workflows appear but does not define who the approvers are. Those permissions are not managed at the platform level.

• Option C is misleading. While “Direct Managers” may be used in some organizational workflows or in integration with external directory systems, this is not how CyberArk implements dual-control approvals. It’s not part of the official CyberArk dual-control model.

• Option D references the Auditors Group, which is responsible for oversight and logging but does not have authority to approve password requests. This group is typically granted read-only permissions for compliance purposes, not operational ones like access approvals.

In conclusion, when determining who can approve password requests in a dual-control setup, the Vault Admin should review Safe-level workflow permissions, specifically looking for users with the "Authorize Password Requests" role. This makes Option B the definitive and secure approach.

Question 7:

When configuring a discovery scan for UNIX systems in CyberArk, which two components must be provided to successfully run the scan?

A. Vault Administrator
B. CPM Scanner
C. root password for each machine
D. list of machines to scan
E. safe for discovered accounts

Correct Answer: D and E

Explanation:

In CyberArk, when you set up a discovery scan specifically for UNIX systems, the process requires specific inputs to function properly. The goal of the discovery scan is to identify privileged accounts on the target UNIX machines, which can then be securely onboarded and managed by CyberArk. Two essential components you need to provide are the list of machines to scan and the Safe where discovered accounts will be stored.

First, the list of machines to scan (D) is critical because CyberArk must know the exact target systems where the scan will be executed. This list can be defined by specifying hostnames, IP addresses, or IP address ranges for the UNIX systems in your environment. Without this information, the discovery process would have no targets to probe, making the scan impossible to perform.

Second, the safe for discovered accounts (E) is a fundamental configuration setting that tells CyberArk where to store the credentials and account information discovered during the scan. Safes in CyberArk act as secure vault containers that organize and protect privileged account credentials. By assigning a safe, you ensure that discovered accounts are stored in a predefined location, which helps maintain security policies and eases management and auditing.

Now, let’s briefly explain why the other options are not required:

• Vault Administrator (A): While the discovery process requires a user with sufficient permissions, it does not specifically require assigning a Vault Administrator role. Roles such as Discovery Manager or Auditor are more commonly used, but this is not a required input for the scan setup itself.

• CPM Scanner (B): The Central Policy Manager (CPM) is responsible for password management after accounts are onboarded. It is not involved in the discovery process itself and therefore is not a necessary component when configuring a discovery scan.

• root password for each machine (C): Contrary to what might be expected, CyberArk’s discovery scan does not require pre-configured root passwords. The discovery is designed to identify accounts without prior access credentials, and onboarding procedures happen subsequently after accounts are found.

In summary, the discovery scan in CyberArk requires a target list of UNIX machines to scan and a safe where discovered accounts are securely stored. These components enable the scan to run effectively and keep the discovered information organized and protected.

Question 8:

If you want to change the Safe that holds session recordings for a specific platform in CyberArk, which configuration parameter should you modify?

A. SessionRecorderSafe
B. SessionSafe
C. RecordingsPath
D. RecordingLocation

Correct Answer: A

Explanation:

CyberArk’s session management capabilities include recording privileged access sessions for audit and compliance purposes. These recordings are stored securely within CyberArk Vault Safes, which act as logical containers safeguarding sensitive data. When you need to change or update the location where session recordings are stored for a particular platform (e.g., SSH, RDP, or database platforms), you modify the platform configuration settings.

The correct parameter to update is SessionRecorderSafe (A). This setting in the platform’s configuration specifies which Safe the session recordings should be saved to for accounts associated with that platform. Adjusting this parameter allows administrators to direct session recordings to a different Safe based on organizational needs such as compliance requirements, storage management, or role separation policies. Changing this setting ensures recordings are correctly routed and protected according to your CyberArk security model.

Examining the other options clarifies why they are incorrect:

• SessionSafe (B): Although the name suggests relevance, this parameter does not exist in CyberArk’s platform configuration. It is a distractor and is not used for managing session recording storage.

• RecordingsPath (C): This sounds like it might specify a file path or directory for recordings; however, CyberArk does not use filesystem paths in platform settings. Instead, CyberArk stores session recordings inside Safes within the Vault, which are logical, secure containers rather than physical file locations.

• RecordingLocation (D): This parameter is not recognized or valid in CyberArk’s platform configuration. It does not control or influence where session recordings are stored and thus is an incorrect choice.

To summarize, if you need to reassign the Safe that holds session recordings for a specific platform in CyberArk, update the SessionRecorderSafe configuration parameter. This ensures session recordings are stored in the correct Vault Safe, maintaining proper access control and compliance.

Question 9:

What are two key security measures that effectively reduce the risk of credential theft in a Privileged Access Management (PAM) system?

A. Require dual control approval for password access
B. Enforce periodic password changes every set number of days
C. Implement check-in/check-out mechanisms for exclusive access
D. Use one-time password (OTP) access

Correct Answers: C and D

Explanation:

In a Privileged Access Management (PAM) environment, preventing credential theft is critical because privileged credentials provide access to sensitive systems and data. Credential theft commonly happens when passwords are reused, shared insecurely, or stored improperly. PAM solutions like CyberArk address this threat by enforcing controls that limit unauthorized or simultaneous use of credentials.

Let’s examine the options:

• Dual control password approval (A) requires two people to authorize access. While this improves accountability and governance, it does not directly prevent credential theft after access is granted. Someone could still misuse or steal credentials once approved.

• Regular password changes (B) are often recommended to reduce the window of exposure if a password is compromised. However, passwords could still be stolen and misused between changes. This method alone is less effective than more dynamic controls.

• Check-in/check-out exclusive access (C) is a crucial control in PAM. It restricts credential usage to only one user at a time, ensuring that passwords cannot be shared or used concurrently. This mechanism also creates an audit trail of who used the credentials and when, reducing unauthorized or covert access.

• One-time password (OTP) access (D) is highly effective in eliminating credential reuse. OTPs expire immediately after use, so even if an attacker obtains a password, it cannot be used again. This dramatically lowers the risk of credential theft and misuse.

By enforcing check-in/check-out (C), the system ensures controlled and auditable access, preventing simultaneous or unauthorized use. Implementing OTP access (D) further enhances security by making stolen credentials useless after a single use. These two measures together provide a robust defense against credential theft in a PAM environment.

Question 10:

When onboarding 5,000 UNIX root accounts for password rotation in CyberArk CPM, but direct root login is prohibited, how should you configure the system to uphold least privilege and enable password management?

A. Set the correct logon account for each CPM
B. Set the correct reconcile account for each CPM
C. Configure the UNIX platform with the correct logon account
D. Configure the UNIX platform with the correct reconcile account

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

In CyberArk, when the Central Policy Manager (CPM) cannot log directly into an account—such as the UNIX root account—due to login restrictions, a reconcile account is used to perform password rotations. This reconcile account must have just enough privileges to change the password of the target account but not full access, supporting the principle of least privilege.

Here is why D is the correct choice:

• The reconcile account is configured within the platform settings in CyberArk to enable password changes when direct login is not allowed. For example, if root login is disabled, the reconcile account could be a secondary user with sudo rights. CPM uses this account to log in and rotate the root password safely.

• This setup ensures that password rotation occurs without compromising security or violating access policies.

Why the other options are incorrect:

• A and B: CPM itself does not manage account-specific logon or reconcile accounts. These are platform-level configurations. Attempting to assign accounts directly per CPM is not the correct approach.

• C: The logon account is used for standard access but does not facilitate password rotation when direct root login is blocked. Without a reconcile account, CPM cannot perform the password change.

Thus, configuring the UNIX platform to use a properly privileged reconcile account (D) allows CPM to securely rotate passwords for accounts like root where direct login is restricted, preserving security and adherence to least privilege.