easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A NetFlow analysis shows a single internal host…
A NetFlow analysis shows a single internal host communicating with many external IP addresses on port 443, but the traffic volumes are very low (small packets). What is the most likely explanation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'many destinations with low volume' (C2 beaconing) and 'many destinations with high volume' (normal web browsing or data exfiltration), trapping candidates who overlook the packet size and volume clues.
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
✓
C2 communication
The combination of a single internal host communicating with many external IPs on port 443 (HTTPS) with very low traffic volumes and small packets is a classic indicator of command-and-control (C2) beaconing. C2 malware often uses HTTPS to blend in with legitimate web traffic, but the small, periodic packets (e.g., keep-alive or heartbeat messages) distinguish it from normal web browsing, which would involve larger data transfers and consistent payload sizes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is often email-based, not network connections.
- ✗
Web browsing
Why it's wrong here
Web browsing generates larger downloads and variable traffic.
- ✗
Port scanning
Why it's wrong here
Port scanning involves many short connections, not persistent low-volume.
- ✓
C2 communication
Why this is correct
Malware beacons often use low-volume periodic connections on port 443.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every 200-201 question from scratch — 979 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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.