200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A security analyst is analyzing a Linux system suspected of being used as a phishing server. Which THREE artifacts should the analyst examine to identify persistence mechanisms? (Select 3)
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/systemd/system/
Common Linux persistence mechanisms include cron jobs (crontab), systemd services, and startup scripts. Bash history may show commands but is not a persistence mechanism itself.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/var/log/auth.log
Why it's wrong here
This logs authentication events, not persistence.
- ✓
/etc/systemd/system/
Why this is correct
Systemd service unit files can enable services at boot.
- ✓
/etc/rc.local
Why this is correct
This script runs at the end of boot, commonly used for persistence.
- ✗
~/.bash_history
Why it's wrong here
Bash history shows commands but does not provide persistence.
- ✓
/etc/crontab
Why this is correct
System-wide cron jobs are defined here.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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