CyberArk-EPM Exam Format | CyberArk-EPM Course Contents | CyberArk-EPM Course Outline | CyberArk-EPM Exam Syllabus | CyberArk-EPM Exam Objectives

Exam Code: EPM-DEF
Exam Name: CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM) Defender Certification
Number of Questions: 65 (multiple-choice format)
Time Allotted: 90 minutes
Passing Marks: 70%

EPM Concepts and Architecture
- Core principles of endpoint privilege management- including the least privilege principle and just-in-time (JIT) elevation.
- EPM's architecture components: EPM Server- EPM Agents- EPM Database (e.g.- MS SQL Server integration)- and communication flows (e.g.- policy distribution via HTTPS).
- Threat protection mechanisms- such as ransomware defenses using out-of-the-box policies.
- Differences between proactive (prevention-focused) and reactive (detection-focused) endpoint security.
- Key Terminologies
- Least Privilege: Restricting user access to only necessary permissions.
- Zero Trust: Security model assuming no implicit trust- verifying every access request.
- JIT Elevation: Temporary granting of elevated privileges for specific tasks.
- Application Control: Rules to allow/block application execution based on reputation or policy.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Complementary tools for threat detection; EPM integrates with EDR for holistic protection.

Deployment and Configuration
- Pre-deployment preparation: DNS A-Record setup- database user accounts (e.g.- sysadmin role on MS SQL)- and network prerequisites.
- Agent deployment: Installing EPM Agents on Windows endpoints- handling offline scenarios- and configuring agent-server communication.
- Initial server setup: Configuring User Account Control (UAC)- SAML integration for authentication- and plugin installations (e.g.- CyberArk EPM Plugin).
- Environment tailoring: Grouping endpoints into sets for targeted policies (e.g.- by OU- IP range- or custom criteria).
- Key Terminologies
- EPM Agent: Lightweight client software installed on endpoints for policy enforcement.
- Sets: Logical groupings of endpoints (e.g.- Windows endpoints managed via Active Directory Organizational Units - OUs).
- SAML Integration: Single Sign-On (SSO) protocol for secure authentication to the EPM console.
- Agent Configuration: Settings for event reporting frequency (e.g.- heartbeat intervals) and policy pull mechanisms.

Policy Creation and Management
- Building elevation policies: On-demand elevation for trusted applications- using criteria like file paths- hashes- or publisher signatures.
- Application control policies: Whitelisting/blacklisting apps- handling "old applications" (pre-agent installs)- and custom rules for scenarios like traveling users.
- Advanced policies: Grouping applications by trusted sources (e.g.- network shares or verified installers)- and policy inheritance/overrides.
- Compliance enforcement: Out-of-the-box policies for audit standards and ransomware protection.
- Key Terminologies
- Elevation Policy: Rules defining when and how privileges are temporarily granted (e.g.- advanced elevate for specific menu items).
- Whitelisting/Blacklisting: Allow/block lists for application execution.
- Policy Scenarios: Predefined conditions like "Application Launch Alert" or "Ransomware Block."
- Trusted Sources: Verified origins for applications- such as signed executables or distribution systems.

User Management and Access Control
- Role creation: Defining custom roles (e.g.- Auditor- Set Administrator) and binding users/groups to sets.
- User elevation workflows: Self-service elevation requests- helpdesk-assisted elevations for offline devices.
- Access revocation: Removing local admin rights automatically and managing group policies.
- Integration with identity providers: Linking EPM to Active Directory or other directories for user synchronization.
- Key Terminologies
- Role Management: Hierarchical permissions (e.g.- Account Administrator for full control).
- Remove Local Administrators: Feature to strip default admin rights from endpoints.
- Elevation Capabilities: Methods like dialog prompts or balloon notifications for user approval.
- Set Administrators: Users delegated to manage specific endpoint groups.

Monitoring- Reporting- and Auditing
- Event collection: Configuring agents to send logs (e.g.- privilege elevations- blocked apps) to the EPM Server.
- Reporting tools: Using the EPM console for dashboards- audit logs- and compliance reports.
- Risk detection: Monitoring for suspicious activities like unauthorized elevations.
- Integration with SIEM: Exporting events for centralized analysis.
- Key Terminologies
- Event Collection: Gathering data on actions like app launches or policy violations.
- Audit Logs: Detailed records of privileged access for compliance (e.g.- satisfying standards like GDPR or NIST).
- Balloon Notification: User-facing alerts from the EPM Agent tray icon.
- Dialog Details: Customizable user prompts for elevation requests.

Integration and Advanced Features
- Integration with CyberArk PAS (Privileged Access Security): Centralized management of endpoint and vault privileges.
- Third-party compatibility: Collaborating with EDR- antivirus- or MDM solutions.
- Automation: Scripting for bulk policy updates or endpoint onboarding.
- Health checks: Best practices for verifying EPM effectiveness (e.g.- policy enforcement rates).
- Key Terminologies
- CyberArk PAS Integration: Linking EPM with vault-based credential management.
- MDM (Mobile Device Management): Tools for endpoint orchestration; EPM extends to servers.
- Automation Scripts: PowerShell or API-based tasks for security workflows.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance
- Common issues: Connectivity problems- policy enforcement failures- or application crashes during elevation.
- Diagnostic tools: Collecting server support info- agent logs- and using the EPM console for diagnostics.
- Recovery: Handling offline policy pulls or rollback of misconfigurations.
- Performance optimization: Tuning agent settings for event frequency and resource usage.
- Key Terminologies
- Troubleshooting Scenarios: Issues like "UAC Log On" failures or menu item crashes in elevated apps.
- Support Information Collection: Gathering logs via EPM tools for CyberArk support.
- Policy Enforcement Glitches: Failures in applying rules- often due to agent-server sync issues.