The answer is to add the database server IP to an exception list. This action best reduces false positives in IPS by whitelisting legitimate servers, allowing the sensor to ignore the ‘OR 1=1’ pattern only when it targets the specific database server, while still blocking that SQL injection attempt against any other host. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of balancing security with operational necessity—a common trap is to disable the signature entirely, which would weaken overall detection. Instead, a targeted exception by destination IP preserves the signature’s protective value for the rest of the network. Remember the memory tip: “Whitelist the target, not the attack”—only exempt the trusted server, never the malicious pattern itself.
200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 network analyst is troubleshooting a false positive alert from an IPS that blocks traffic to a legitimate database server. The alert signature is triggered by the pattern 'OR 1=1'. The analyst determines that the traffic is from a web application that uses dynamic SQL queries. Which action best reduces false positives while maintaining security?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add the database server IP to an exception list
Option B is correct because adding the database server IP to an exception list allows the IPS to ignore traffic matching the 'OR 1=1' pattern specifically when it is destined for the legitimate database server. This preserves security by continuing to block the same pattern when it targets other servers, while eliminating the false positive caused by the web application's dynamic SQL queries. Whitelisting by destination IP is a targeted exception that does not weaken overall detection.
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.
✗
Increase the sensitivity of the signature
Why it's wrong here
Increasing sensitivity would cause more false positives.
✓
Add the database server IP to an exception list
Why this is correct
Whitelisting known good traffic reduces false positives.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Change the signature to alert-only mode
Why it's wrong here
Alert-only stops blocking but still generates unnecessary alerts.
✗
Disable the signature entirely
Why it's wrong here
Disabling removes protection against real SQL injection.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'reducing false positives' and 'reducing security' — candidates mistakenly choose alert-only mode (option C) thinking it stops the blocking, but fail to realize it also stops blocking real attacks, which is not a security-maintaining action.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'OR 1=1' pattern is a classic SQL injection test string that, in a dynamic SQL query, can be part of legitimate application logic (e.g., a search parameter). IPS signatures use pattern matching at the application layer; a destination IP exception list leverages the IPS's policy engine to bypass signature inspection for specific hosts, often implemented via access control entries (ACEs) in the IPS rulebase. In real-world deployments, administrators must carefully scope exceptions to avoid creating blind spots, and should consider using protocol decoders or contextual analysis (e.g., HTTP parameter location) instead of raw pattern matching.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add the database server IP to an exception list — Option B is correct because adding the database server IP to an exception list allows the IPS to ignore traffic matching the 'OR 1=1' pattern specifically when it is destined for the legitimate database server. This preserves security by continuing to block the same pattern when it targets other servers, while eliminating the false positive caused by the web application's dynamic SQL queries. Whitelisting by destination IP is a targeted exception that does not weaken overall detection.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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