The answer is to investigate if the exploit was actually attempted. Even though the server is patched and therefore not vulnerable to that specific exploit, the NIDS alert indicates that traffic matching the exploit’s signature reached the network. This could mean an attacker is probing for unpatched systems, conducting reconnaissance, or using the exploit as a decoy for a different attack vector. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that a patched system does not eliminate the need for alert investigation—the focus shifts from vulnerability to intent and lateral movement. A common trap is to dismiss the alert as a false positive simply because the patch is applied, but the NIDS detects the attempt, not the success. Remember the memory tip: “Patch protects the host, not the network—always check the attempt.”
200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 intrusion detection system (NIDS) generates an alert for a known exploit against a web server. The analyst verifies that the server is patched. What is the next best step?
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
✓
Investigate if the exploit was actually attempted
Even if the server is patched, the exploit attempt may indicate a broader attack or reconnaissance. Investigating the attempt helps determine intent and identify other compromised systems.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Reconfigure the NIDS to block the traffic
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Blocking based on a single alert may be overly aggressive and could be done after investigation.
✗
Tune the signature to ignore the server
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Tuning may hide future attempts. Better to investigate.
✗
Dismiss the alert as a false positive
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The alert could still indicate malicious intent even if the server is patched.
✓
Investigate if the exploit was actually attempted
Why this is correct
Correct. Investigating the attempt can reveal attacker behavior and prevent future incidents.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Investigate if the exploit was actually attempted — Even if the server is patched, the exploit attempt may indicate a broader attack or reconnaissance. Investigating the attempt helps determine intent and identify other compromised systems.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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