Weaponization is the stage of the Cyber Kill Chain where the attacker creates or modifies a malicious payload to use against a target. In this case, the disgruntled open-source developer has created a logic bomb that will act as a wiper, which is a type of malware that destroys data on a system. This is an example of weaponization, as the developer has prepared a cyberweapon to sabotage the code repository.

A new program has been set to execute on system start is the most likely cause of the suspicious activity that is occurring, as it indicates that the malware has modified the registry keys of the system to ensure its persistence. File Integrity Monitoring (FIM) is a tool that monitors changes to files and registry keys on a system and alerts the security analyst of any unauthorized or malicious modifications. The alert triggered by FIM shows that the malware has created a new registry key under the Run subkey, which is used to launch programs automatically when the system starts. The new registry key points to a file named "update.exe" in the Temp folder, which is likely a malicious executable disguised as a legitimate update file. Official References:
* https://www.comptia.org/blog/the-new-comptia-cybersecurity-analyst-your-questions-answered
* https://partners.comptia.org/docs/default-source/resources/comptia-cysa-cs0-002-exam-objectives
* https://www.comptia.org/training/books/cysa-cs0-002-study-guide

* Non-persistent Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is the best solution because:
* Users access a centrally managed, secure virtual desktop regardless of location.
* No data is stored locally, preventing data theft on compromised devices.
* Each session is reset upon logout, eliminating malware persistence.
Why Not Other Options?
* B (Passwordless authentication) # Improves security but does not ensure the same security level across different locations.
* C (Standard-issue laptops) # Helps with consistency but does not protect against untrusted networks.
* D (Serverless workloads) # Focuses on application infrastructure, not user security.

Federation is a system of trust between two parties for the purpose of authenticating users and conveying information needed to authorize their access to resources. By using federation, a user can use one set of credentials to access multiple domains that trust each other.

CVE details and IoCs are information that would most likely be required by the infrastructure team so that vulnerabilities can be remediated quickly. CVE details provide the description, severity, impact, and solution of the vulnerabilities that affect the servers. IoCs are indicators of compromise that help identify and respond to potential threats or attacks on the servers. References: Server and Workstation Patch Management Policy, Section: Policy; Patch Management Policy: Why You Need One in 2024, Section: What is a patch management policy?