mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A host-based analysis tool reports that a file…
A host-based analysis tool reports that a file has a digital signature that is valid but from an untrusted publisher. What should the analyst interpret from this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between signature validity (cryptographic integrity) and publisher trust (certificate chain trust), leading candidates to mistakenly equate a valid signature with safety or an untrusted publisher with guaranteed malice.
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 file may be malicious or legitimate; further analysis is needed
A valid digital signature confirms the file has not been tampered with since signing, but it does not guarantee the publisher is trustworthy. An untrusted publisher means the signing certificate is not in the system's trusted root store or has been flagged by a security policy, so the file could be either legitimate (e.g., from a new or self-signed publisher) or malicious (e.g., signed with a stolen certificate). Therefore, further analysis—such as checking the file's reputation, behavior, or origin—is required to determine its safety.
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 file is definitely malicious because the publisher is untrusted
Why it's wrong here
Signature integrity is valid; untrusted means not in trusted store, but could be legitimate software from a new vendor.
- ✗
The file's signature was revoked
Why it's wrong here
Not necessarily; it says valid but untrusted, not revoked.
- ✓
The file may be malicious or legitimate; further analysis is needed
Why this is correct
The signature chain is technically valid, but the publisher is not trusted by default. Requires contextual analysis.
- ✗
The file is definitely safe because the signature is valid
Why it's wrong here
A valid signature does not guarantee safety; malware can be signed.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.