Within the 12A2 design methodology, which of the following most accurately describes the last step?

Correct Answer:C
The correct answer is C because the last step of the 12A2 design methodology is to list the outputs of the playbook design. The outputs are the expected results or outcomes of the playbook execution, such as sending an email, creating a ticket, blocking an IP, etc. The outputs should be aligned with the objectives and goals of the playbook. See Splunk SOAR Certified Automation Developer for more details.
The 12A2 design methodology in the context of Splunk SOAR (formerly Phantom) refers to a structured approach to developing playbooks. The last step in this methodology focuses on defining the outputs of the playbook design. This step is crucial as it outlines what the expected results or actions the playbook should achieve upon its completion. These outputs can vary widely, from sending notifications, creating tickets, updating statuses, to generating reports. Defining the outputs is essential for understanding the playbook's impact on the security operation workflows and how it contributes to resolving security incidents or automating tasks.

If no data matches any filter conditions, what is the next block run by the playbook?

Correct Answer:A
In Splunk SOAR (formerly Phantom), when a playbook is running and it encounters a filter block, if no data matches the filter conditions specified, the playbook will proceed to the end block. The end block signifies the completion of the playbook's execution path that was contingent on the filter conditions being met. If the filter conditions are not met, and there are no alternative paths specified, the playbook recognizes this as the logical conclusion of that particular execution flow.

When is using decision blocks most useful?

Correct Answer:A
Decision blocks are most useful when selecting one (or zero) possible paths in the playbook. Decision blocks allow the user to define one or more conditions based on action results, artifacts, or custom expressions, and execute the corresponding path if the condition is met. If none of the conditions are met, the playbook execution ends. Decision blocks are not used for processing different data in parallel, evaluating complex, multi-value results or artifacts, or modifying downstream data in one or more paths in the playbook. Decision blocks within Splunk Phantom playbooks are used to control the flow of execution based on certain criteria. They are most useful when you need to select one or potentially no paths for the playbook to follow, based on the evaluation of specified conditions. This is akin to an if-else or switch-case logic in programming where depending on the conditions met, a particular path is chosen for further actions. Decision blocks evaluate the data and direct the playbook to different paths accordingly, making them a fundamental component for creating dynamic and responsive automation workflows.

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

Correct Answer:A
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.

Which app allows a user to run Splunk queries from within Phantom?

Correct Answer:C
The Phantom App for Splunk allows a user to run Splunk queries from within Phantom. This app provides actions such as run query, ingest events, and save search, which enable the user to interact with Splunk from Phantom playbooks or the Phantom UI. The other apps are not relevant for this use case. The Splunk App for Phantom is used to send data from Splunk to Phantom. The Integrated Splunk/Phantom app is a deprecated app that was replaced by the Splunk App for Phantom. The Splunk App for Phantom Reporting is used to generate reports on Phantom activity from Splunk. The Phantom App for Splunk is the application that enables Splunk users to run Splunk queries from within the Splunk Phantom platform. This app integrates Splunk's data and search capabilities into Phantom's security automation and orchestration framework, allowing users to perform actions such as running searches, creating events, and updating records in Splunk directly from Phantom.

When working with complex data paths, which operator is used to access a sub-element inside another element?

Correct Answer:D
When working with complex data paths in Splunk SOAR, particularly within playbooks, the dot (.) operator is used to access sub-elements within a larger data structure. This operator allows for the navigation through nested data, such as dictionaries or objects within JSON responses, enabling playbook actions and decision blocks to reference specific pieces of data within the artifacts or action results. This capability is crucial for extracting and manipulating relevant information from complex data sets during incident analysis and response automation.