200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
A firewall log shows a connection from internal IP 192.168.1.100 to external IP 203.0.113.5 on port 443 with action 'deny'. What does this indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between source and destination IPs in firewall logs, where candidates mistakenly assume the external IP is the initiator (Option C) because they focus on the 'deny' action rather than the direction of the connection.
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
✓
The internal host attempted to access a secure web server but was blocked.
The log shows a connection from internal IP 192.168.1.100 to external IP 203.0.113.5 on port 443, with the action 'deny'. Port 443 is the default port for HTTPS (HTTP over TLS), which is used for secure web server access. The 'deny' action indicates the firewall blocked this outbound connection, meaning the internal host attempted to reach a secure web server but was prevented by the firewall policy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The connection was successfully encrypted.
Why it's wrong here
The log does not indicate encryption status, only that it was blocked.
- ✗
The firewall allowed the connection.
Why it's wrong here
'Deny' means blocked, not allowed.
- ✗
The external host attempted to access the internal host.
Why it's wrong here
The source is internal (192.168.1.100), so the internal host initiated the connection.
- ✓
The internal host attempted to access a secure web server but was blocked.
Why this is correct
Port 443 is HTTPS; the attempt was denied.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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