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200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is configuring a new SIEM…
A security analyst is configuring a new SIEM platform. The organization has multiple log sources, including Windows Event Logs, Linux syslog, and firewall logs. The analyst wants to ensure that logs are not lost if the SIEM becomes unavailable. Which approach best addresses this requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between reliable transport (TCP) and guaranteed delivery with buffering; the trap here is assuming that Syslog over TCP alone prevents data loss, when in fact it only ensures in-transit reliability, not resilience against SIEM unavailability.
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
✓
Configure log sources to send logs to a centralized collector with local storage and forwarding capabilities.
Deploying a centralized collector with local storage and forwarding capabilities creates a buffer that ensures logs are not lost during SIEM unavailability. The collector receives logs from sources, stores them locally (e.g., on disk or in a queue), and forwards them to the SIEM when it becomes available again. This decouples log generation from SIEM ingestion, preventing data loss even during extended outages.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure the SIEM to pull logs from sources via Syslog over TCP.
Why it's wrong here
Still fails if SIEM is down.
- ✓
Configure log sources to send logs to a centralized collector with local storage and forwarding capabilities.
Why this is correct
Collector can buffer logs and forward when SIEM recovers.
- ✗
Implement log replication between SIEM nodes.
Why it's wrong here
Replication doesn't address source-side loss.
- ✗
Increase the storage capacity of the SIEM to hold more logs.
Why it's wrong here
Storage doesn't prevent loss during downtime.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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