easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst analyzes an IDS alert that…
A security analyst analyzes an IDS alert that triggered on the string '/etc/passwd'. What type of signature is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between atomic and stateful signatures by presenting a single-packet pattern and expecting candidates to recognize that no session tracking is involved, leading some to mistakenly choose 'stateful' because they associate '/etc/passwd' with a multi-step exploit.
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
✓
Atomic signature
The string '/etc/passwd' is a single, fixed pattern that the IDS matches against a single packet payload. This is the definition of an atomic signature: it looks for a specific content string without requiring any state or context from previous packets. Option C is correct because the alert is triggered solely by the presence of that literal string in a packet, not by any sequence of events or statistical deviation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Stateful signature
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Stateful signatures track connection state, not just a static pattern.
- ✗
Composite signature
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Composite signatures require multiple conditions or packets to trigger.
- ✓
Atomic signature
Why this is correct
Correct. An atomic signature triggers on a single packet or string pattern.
- ✗
Anomaly signature
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Anomaly signatures detect deviations from baseline behavior, not a specific string.
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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.