200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A Linux host has an unusual cron job that runs a script from /tmp every minute. The analyst checks /etc/crontab and /var/spool/cron/ but finds nothing. Where else could the cron job be defined?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between cron configuration directories and control files, trapping candidates who confuse /etc/cron.allow (an access control list) with a location where cron jobs are actually defined.
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
✓
/etc/cron.d/
The cron job is defined in /etc/cron.d/ because this directory allows system administrators to drop individual cron configuration files that are parsed by the cron daemon. Unlike /etc/crontab and /var/spool/cron/ (which contain user-specific crontabs), /etc/cron.d/ is a standard location for package-maintained or custom cron jobs that run with system privileges. The fact that the analyst found nothing in the other two locations strongly suggests the job is defined in /etc/cron.d/.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
/etc/cron.d/
Why this is correct
This directory contains per-package cron definitions.
- ✗
/etc/cron.hourly/
Why it's wrong here
That runs scripts hourly, not every minute.
- ✗
/etc/cron.allow
Why it's wrong here
This file controls who can use cron, not definitions.
- ✗
~/.bashrc
Why it's wrong here
bashrc runs on shell startup, not as a cron job.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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