Splunk SPLK-2003 Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

Splunk SPLK-2003 Online Questions & Answers

• Question 61:

  Which of the following is an advantage of using the Visual Playbook Editor?

  A. Eliminates any need to use Python code.
  B. The Visual Playbook Editor is the only way to generate user prompts.
  C. Supports Python or Javascript.
  D. Easier playbook maintenance.
  D. Easier playbook maintenance.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  Visual Playbook Editor is a feature of Splunk SOAR that allows you to create, edit, and implement automated playbooks using visual building blocks and execution flow lanes, without having to write code. The Visual Playbook Editor automatically generates the code for you, which you can view and edit in the Code Editor if needed. The Visual Playbook Editor also supports Python and Javascript as scripting languages for custom code blocks. One of the advantages of using the Visual Playbook Editor is that it makes playbook maintenance easier, as you can quickly modify, test, and debug your playbooks using the graphical interface. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it states an advantage of using the Visual Playbook Editor. Option A is incorrect, because using the Visual Playbook Editor does not eliminate the need to use Python code, but rather simplifies the process of creating and editing code. You can still add custom Python code to your playbooks using the custom function block or the Code Editor. Option B is incorrect, because the Visual Playbook Editor is not the only way to generate user prompts, but rather one of the ways. You can also generate user prompts using the classic playbook editor or the Code Editor. Option C is incorrect, because supporting Python or Javascript is not an advantage of using the Visual Playbook Editor, but rather a feature of Splunk SOAR in general. You can use Python or Javascript in any of the playbook editors, not just the Visual Playbook Editor.

  1: Web search results from search_web(query="Splunk SOAR Automation Developer Visual Playbook Editor")

• Question 62:

  A user wants to get the playbook results for a single artifact. Which steps will accomplish the?

  A. Use the contextual menu from the artifact and select run playbook.
  B. Use the run playbook dialog and set the scope to the artifact.
  C. Create a new container including Just the artifact in question.
  D. Use the contextual menu from the artifact and select the actions.
  A. Use the contextual menu from the artifact and select run playbook.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  To get playbook results for a single artifact, a user can utilize the contextual menu option directly from the artifact itself. This method allows for targeted execution of a playbook on just that artifact, facilitating a focused analysis or action based on the data within that specific artifact. This approach is particularly useful when a user needs to drill down into the details of an individual piece of evidence or data point within a larger incident or case, allowing for granular control and execution of playbooks in the Splunk SOAR environment.

• Question 63:

  To limit the impact of custom code on the VPE, where should the custom code be placed?

  A. A custom container or a separate KV store.
  B. A separate code repository.
  C. A custom function block.
  D. A separate container.
  C. A custom function block.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  To limit the impact of custom code on the Visual Playbook Editor (VPE) in Splunk SOAR, custom code should be placed within a custom function block. Custom function blocks are designed to encapsulate code within a playbook, allowing users to input their own Python code and execute it as part of the playbook run. By confining custom code to these blocks, it maintains the VPE's performance and stability by isolating the custom code from the core functions of the playbook.

  A custom function block is a way of adding custom Python code to your playbook, which can expand the functionality and processing of your playbook logic. Custom functions can also interact with the REST API in a customizable way. You can share custom functions across your team and across multiple playbooks to increase collaboration and efficiency. To create custom functions, you must have Edit Code permissions, which can be configured by an Administrator in Administration > User Management > Roles and Permissions. Therefore, option C is the correct answer, as it is the recommended way of placing custom code on the VPE, which limits the impact of custom code on the VPE performance and security. Option A is incorrect, because a custom container or a separate KV store are not valid ways of placing custom code on the VPE, but rather ways of storing data or artifacts. Option B is incorrect, because a separate code repository is not a way of placing custom code on the VPE, but rather a way of managing and versioning your code outside of Splunk SOAR. Option D is incorrect, because a separate container is not a way of placing custom code on the VPE, but rather a way of creating a new event or case.

  1: Add custom code to your Splunk SOAR (Cloud) playbook with the custom function block using the classic playbook editor

• Question 64:

  How can the debug log for a playbook execution be viewed?

  A. On the Investigation page, select Debug Log from the playbook's action menu in the Recent Activity panel.
  B. Click Expand Scope m the debug window.
  C. In Administration > System Health > Playbook Run History, select the playbook execution entry, then select Log.
  D. Open the playbook in the Visual Playbook Editor, and select Debug Logs in Settings.
  A. On the Investigation page, select Debug Log from the playbook's action menu in the Recent Activity panel.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  Debug logs are essential for troubleshooting and understanding the execution flow of a playbook in Splunk Phantom. The debug log for a playbook execution can be viewed by navigating to the Investigation page of a specific event or container. Within the Recent Activity panel, there is an action menu associated with each playbook run. Selecting "Debug Log" from this menu will display the detailed execution log, showing each action taken, the results of those actions, and any errors or messages generated during the playbook run.

• Question 65:

  Which of the following is a best practice for use of the global block?

  A. Execute code at the beginning of each run of the playbook.
  B. Declare outputs which will be selectable within playbook blocks.
  C. Import packages which will be used within the playbook.
  D. Execute custom code after each run of the playbook.
  C. Import packages which will be used within the playbook.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  The global block within a Splunk SOAR playbook is primarily used to import external packages or define global variables that will be utilized across various parts of the playbook. This block sets the stage for the playbook by ensuring that all necessary libraries, modules, or predefined variables are available for use in subsequent actions, decision blocks, or custom code segments within the playbook. This practice promotes code reuse and efficiency, enabling more sophisticated and powerful playbook designs by leveraging external functionalities.

• Question 66:

  Which of the following are the steps required to complete a full backup of a Splunk Phantom deployment' Assume the commands are executed from /opt/phantom/bin and that no other backups have been made.

  A. On the command line enter: rode sudo python ibackup.pyc --setup, then audo phenv python ibackup.pyc --backup.
  B. On the command line enter: sudo phenv python ibackup.pyc --backup --backup-type full, then sudo phenv python ibackup.pyc --setup.
  C. Within the UI: Select from the main menu Administration > System Health > Backup.
  D. Within the UI: Select from the main menu Administration > Product Settings > Backup.
  B. On the command line enter: sudo phenv python ibackup.pyc --backup --backup-type full, then sudo phenv python ibackup.pyc --setup.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  The correct answer is B because the steps required to complete a full backup of a Splunk Phantom deployment are to first run the --backup --backup-type full command and then run the --setup command. The --backup command creates a backup file in the /opt/phantom/backup directory. The --backup-type full option specifies that the backup file includes all the data and configuration files of the Phantom server. The --setup command creates a configuration file that contains the encryption key and other information needed to restore the backup file. See Splunk SOAR Certified Automation Developer Track for more details. Performing a full backup of a Splunk Phantom deployment involves using the command- line interface, primarily because Phantom's architecture and data management processes are designed to be managed at the server level for comprehensive backup and recovery. The correct sequence involves initiating a full backup first using the --backup --backup- type full option to ensure all configurations, data, and necessary components are included in the backup. Following the completion of the backup, the --setup option might be used to configure or verify the backup settings, although typically, the setup would precede backup operations in practical scenarios. This process ensures that all aspects of the Phantom deployment are preserved, including configurations, playbooks, cases, and other data, which is crucial for disaster recovery and system migration.

• Question 67:

  How can the DECIDED process be restarted?

  A. By restarting the playbook daemon.
  B. On the System Health page.
  C. In Administration > Server Settings.
  D. By restarting the automation service.
  D. By restarting the automation service.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  DECIDED process is a core component of the SOAR automation engine that handles the execution of playbooks and actions. The DECIDED process can be restarted by restarting the automation service, which can be done from the command line using the service phantom restart command2. Restarting the automation service also restarts the playbook daemon, which is another core component of the SOAR automation engine that handles the loading and unloading of playbooks3. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it restarts both the DECIDED process and the playbook daemon. Option A is incorrect, because restarting the playbook daemon alone does not restart the DECIDED process. Option B is incorrect, because the System Health page does not provide an option to restart the DECIDED process or the automation service. Option C is incorrect, because the Administration > Server Settings page does not provide an option to restart the DECIDED process or the automation service.

  In Splunk SOAR, if the DECIDED process, which is responsible for playbook execution, needs to be restarted, this can typically be done by restarting the automation (or phantom) service. This service manages the automation processes, including playbook execution. Restarting it can reset the DECIDED process, resolving issues related to playbook execution or process hangs.

• Question 68:

  After a successful POST to a Phantom REST endpoint to create a new object what result is returned?

  A. The new object ID.
  B. The new object name.
  C. The full CEF name.
  D. The PostGres UUID.
  A. The new object ID.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  The correct answer is A because after a successful POST to a Phantom REST endpoint to create a new object, the result returned is the new object ID. The object ID is a unique identifier for each object in Phantom, such as a container, an artifact, an action, or a playbook. The object ID can be used to retrieve, update, or delete the object using the Phantom REST API. The answer B is incorrect because after a successful POST to a Phantom REST endpoint to create a new object, the result returned is not the new object name, which is a human-readable name for the object. The object name can be used to search for the object using the Phantom web interface. The answer C is incorrect because after a successful POST to a Phantom REST endpoint to create a new object, the result returned is not the full CEF name, which is a standard format for event data. The full CEF name can be used to access the CEF fields of an artifact using the Phantom REST API. The answer D is incorrect because after a successful POST to a Phantom REST endpoint to create a new object, the result returned is not the PostGres UUID, which is a unique identifier for each row in a PostGres database. The PostGres UUID is not exposed to the Phantom REST API. Reference: Splunk SOAR REST API Guide, page 17. When a POST request is made to a Phantom REST endpoint to create a new object, such as an event, artifact, or container, the typical response includes the ID of the newly created object. This ID is a unique identifier that can be used to reference the object within the system for future operations, such as updating, querying, or deleting the object. The response does not usually include the full name or other specific details of the object, as the ID is the most important piece of information needed immediately after creation for reference purposes.

• Question 69:

  Which of the following can be configured in the ROl Settings?

  A. Analyst hours per month.
  B. Time lost.
  C. Number of full time employees (FTEs).
  D. Annual analyst salary.
  D. Annual analyst salary.

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  Explanation/Reference:

  In the ROI (Return on Investment) Settings within Splunk SOAR, one of the configurable parameters is the annual analyst salary. This setting is used to help quantify the cost savings and efficiency gains achieved through the use of SOAR in an organization's security operations. By factoring in the cost of analyst labor, organizations can better assess the financial impact of automating and streamlining security processes with SOAR, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the solution's value.

• Question 70:

  Which of the following expressions will output debug information to the debug window in the Visual Playbook Editor?

  A. phantom.debug()
  B. phantom.exception()
  C. phantom.print ()
  D. phantom.assert()
  A. phantom.debug()

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  Explanation/Reference:

  The phantom.debug() function is used within Splunk SOAR playbooks to output debug information to the debug window in the Visual Playbook Editor. This function is instrumental in troubleshooting and developing playbooks, as it allows developers to print out variables, messages, or any relevant information that can help in understanding the flow of the playbook, the data being processed, and any issues that might arise during execution. This debugging tool is essential for ensuring that playbooks are functioning as intended and for diagnosing any problems that may occur.