- A
Run 'netstat -b' on the Windows host to display active connections with the associated process executable.
The -b flag shows the binary involved in creating each connection, directly correlating the connection to the process.
- B
Examine the Windows Firewall log to see the source and destination IP addresses and ports for outbound traffic.
Why wrong: Firewall logs show network traffic but do not identify the process that initiated it.
- C
Review Windows Security Event Log for Event ID 4688 (Process Creation) for the timeline of process starts.
Why wrong: Event ID 4688 shows process creation events but does not directly link them to network connections.
- D
Use PowerShell cmdlet 'Get-NetTCPConnection' to list current TCP connections and their states.
Why wrong: Get-NetTCPConnection provides connection details but lacks the owning process information without additional options.
Quick Answer
The answer is to run netstat -b on the Windows host. This command is correct because it displays active TCP and UDP network connections alongside the executable name of the process that initiated each connection, directly correlating the outbound connection to the malicious IP with the specific process executable. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of host-based analysis techniques for identifying pivot points in an intrusion, where the key trap is confusing netstat -b with netstat -a or netstat -n, which show connections but omit the process name. A reliable memory tip is to think of the -b flag as standing for “binary” or “bad guy,” since it reveals the binary file responsible for the suspicious connection.
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based 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 security analyst is investigating a host that is suspected of being used as a pivot point in a network intrusion. The analyst needs to identify which process initiated an outbound connection to a known malicious IP address. Which host-based analysis approach should the analyst use to correlate the network connection to the specific process?
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
Run 'netstat -b' on the Windows host to display active connections with the associated process executable.
Running 'netstat -b' on a Windows host displays active TCP connections along with the executable name of the process that created each connection. This directly correlates the outbound connection to the malicious IP with the specific process, which is exactly what the analyst needs to identify the pivot point.
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.
- ✓
Run 'netstat -b' on the Windows host to display active connections with the associated process executable.
Why this is correct
The -b flag shows the binary involved in creating each connection, directly correlating the connection to the process.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Examine the Windows Firewall log to see the source and destination IP addresses and ports for outbound traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs show network traffic but do not identify the process that initiated it.
- ✗
Review Windows Security Event Log for Event ID 4688 (Process Creation) for the timeline of process starts.
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 4688 shows process creation events but does not directly link them to network connections.
- ✗
Use PowerShell cmdlet 'Get-NetTCPConnection' to list current TCP connections and their states.
Why it's wrong here
Get-NetTCPConnection provides connection details but lacks the owning process information without additional options.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between network-level logs (firewall logs) and host-level process-to-connection correlation, and the trap here is that candidates may choose 'Get-NetTCPConnection' (Option D) because it lists connections, but they overlook that it does not show the associated process executable without additional scripting.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Firewall logs show network traffic but do not identify the process that initiated it.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'netstat -b' command uses the Windows IP Helper API to enumerate TCP connections and then queries the process ID (PID) to retrieve the executable name. Under the hood, it accesses the same TCP table as 'Get-NetTCPConnection' but additionally performs a lookup into the process handle table, which requires administrative privileges. In a real-world incident, an attacker may use a hidden or injected process; 'netstat -b' can still reveal the host process if the injection is into a legitimate executable, though advanced rootkits may evade it.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run 'netstat -b' on the Windows host to display active connections with the associated process executable. — Running 'netstat -b' on a Windows host displays active TCP connections along with the executable name of the process that created each connection. This directly correlates the outbound connection to the malicious IP with the specific process, which is exactly what the analyst needs to identify the pivot point.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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