- A
MitM
Why wrong: MitM intercepts communications, not overloads servers.
- B
DoS
Why wrong: DoS typically originates from a single source, not multiple systems.
- C
Botnet
Why wrong: Botnet is the network of compromised systems used in DDoS, but the attack itself is DDoS.
- D
DDoS
DDoS uses many sources to launch the attack.
Question 414 of 1,000
200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company's web server is overwhelmed by traffic from multiple compromised systems, causing it to become unresponsive to legitimate users. Which type of attack is this?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
DDoS
The correct answer is D (DDoS) because the scenario describes a distributed denial-of-service attack: traffic originates from multiple compromised systems (a botnet) to overwhelm the web server. A DDoS attack is a subtype of DoS that specifically uses multiple sources, making it harder to mitigate than a single-source DoS. The key clue is 'multiple compromised systems,' which directly maps to the distributed nature of a DDoS.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
MitM
Why it's wrong here
MitM intercepts communications, not overloads servers.
- ✗
DoS
Why it's wrong here
DoS typically originates from a single source, not multiple systems.
- ✗
Botnet
Why it's wrong here
Botnet is the network of compromised systems used in DDoS, but the attack itself is DDoS.
- ✓
DDoS
Why this is correct
DDoS uses many sources to launch the attack.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between DoS and DDoS by including the phrase 'multiple compromised systems' as the key differentiator, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse the attack type (DDoS) with the infrastructure used to execute it (botnet).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a DDoS attack often leverages amplification techniques (e.g., DNS amplification using open resolvers, or NTP reflection) to multiply traffic volume. In a real-world scenario, distinguishing a DDoS from a flash crowd (legitimate traffic spike) requires analyzing packet headers, source IP diversity, and traffic patterns—tools like netflow or sFlow can reveal the distributed source IPs. The attack may target Layer 3/4 (volumetric) or Layer 7 (application-level, e.g., HTTP flood), each requiring different mitigation strategies.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: DDoS — The correct answer is D (DDoS) because the scenario describes a distributed denial-of-service attack: traffic originates from multiple compromised systems (a botnet) to overwhelm the web server. A DDoS attack is a subtype of DoS that specifically uses multiple sources, making it harder to mitigate than a single-source DoS. The key clue is 'multiple compromised systems,' which directly maps to the distributed nature of a DDoS.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.
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