The answer is the presence of a scheduled task that runs an unknown executable, because drive-by download attacks exploit browser or plugin vulnerabilities to silently execute code, and attackers commonly use scheduled tasks to establish persistence and maintain access after the initial compromise. This indicator directly reflects the post-exploitation phase where the malware ensures it survives reboots, often by creating a task that launches a malicious binary at system startup or on a recurring interval. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between initial infection artifacts—like unexpected outbound connections on non-standard ports (e.g., TCP 4444) from netstat logs—and persistence mechanisms; a common trap is focusing solely on network indicators while overlooking local artifacts like scheduled tasks. Remember the memory tip: “Task equals persistence” – if you see an unknown executable tied to a scheduled task, think drive-by download foothold.
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 may have been compromised via a drive-by download. Which three indicators of compromise should the analyst look for in the host's logs and artifacts?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unusual outbound network connections
A drive-by download typically exploits a browser or plugin vulnerability to silently execute code on the host. Once compromised, the malware often establishes command-and-control (C2) communication, which manifests as unusual outbound network connections to suspicious IP addresses or domains on non-standard ports (e.g., TCP 4444, 8080). Analyzing netstat output or firewall logs for unexpected outbound traffic is a primary indicator of such post-exploitation activity.
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.
✓
Unusual outbound network connections
Why this is correct
Malware often communicates with C2 servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Modified system files in %SystemRoot%\System32
Why this is correct
Malware may replace or modify system files to evade detection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A new user account added to the local Administrators group
Why it's wrong here
Adding a user is more typical of lateral movement, not initial drive-by download.
✗
A large number of 404 errors in the web server log
Why it's wrong here
Web server logs are not host-based artifacts.
✓
Presence of a scheduled task that runs an unknown executable
Why this is correct
Scheduled tasks are common persistence mechanisms.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between host-based and network-based indicators, and the trap here is that candidates confuse web server logs (network-based) with host-based artifacts, or they assume that any post-exploitation action like adding an admin user is a direct indicator of the initial compromise vector rather than a later persistence step.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Drive-by downloads often leverage heap spray or use-after-free vulnerabilities in browsers (e.g., CVE-2021-30563) to bypass ASLR and DEP. The initial payload is typically a small shellcode that downloads a larger second-stage binary, which then establishes persistence via scheduled tasks (option E) or modifies system files (option B) to survive reboots. The outbound connection (option A) is the earliest network-level sign, often to a domain generated by a domain generation algorithm (DGA) to evade static blocklists.
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 practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Unusual outbound network connections — A drive-by download typically exploits a browser or plugin vulnerability to silently execute code on the host. Once compromised, the malware often establishes command-and-control (C2) communication, which manifests as unusual outbound network connections to suspicious IP addresses or domains on non-standard ports (e.g., TCP 4444, 8080). Analyzing netstat output or firewall logs for unexpected outbound traffic is a primary indicator of such post-exploitation activity.
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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Question Discussion
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