Explanation
Hashing is a cryptographic function that produces a unique fixed-size output (i.e., hash value) from an input (i.e., data). The hash value is a digital fingerprint of the data, which means that if the data changes, so too does the hash value. By comparing the hash value of the downloaded file with the hash value provided by the security website, the security analyst can verify that the file has not been altered in transit or corrupted.

Explanation
The input "admin' or 1=1--" in the username field is an example of SQL injection (SQLi) attack. In this case, the attacker is attempting to bypass authentication by injecting SQL code into the username field that will cause the authentication check to always return true. References: CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 Exam Objectives: 3.1 Given a scenario, use appropriate software tools to assess the security posture of an organization.

Explanation
LDAPS (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol Secure) is the most secure protocol to use for connecting to an Active Directory server, as it encrypts the communication between the client and the server using SSL/TLS. This prevents eavesdropping, tampering, or spoofing of the authentication and authorization data.
References: 1 CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 13, Domain 3.0: Implementation, Objective 3.2: Implement secure protocols 2 CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives, page 15, Domain 3.0: Implementation, Objective 3.5: Implement secure authentication mechanisms 3
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2008-R2-and-2008/cc73103

Explanation
Based on the given information, the most likely type of malware infecting the hosts is a RAT (Remote Access Trojan). RATs are often used for stealthy unauthorized access to a victim's computer, and they can evade traditional antivirus software through various sophisticated techniques. In particular, the fact that the malware is communicating with external IP addresses during specific hours suggests that it may be under the control of an attacker who is issuing commands from a remote location. Ransomware, polymorphic malware, and worms are also possible culprits, but the context of the question suggests that a RAT is the most likely answer.

Explanation
Non-repudiation is the process of ensuring that a party involved in a transaction or communication cannot deny their involvement. By implementing non-repudiation controls, a cybersecurity analyst can properly track and log user actions, attributing them to a specific individual. This can be achieved through methods such as digital signatures, timestamps, and secure logging mechanisms.
References:
1. CompTIA Security+ Certification Exam Objectives (SY0-601):
https://www.comptia.jp/pdf/CompTIA%20Security%2B%20SY0-601%20Exam%20Objectives.pdf
2. Stewart, J. M., Chapple, M., & Gibson, D. (2021). CompTIA Security+ Study Guide: Exam SY0-601. John Wiley & Sons.