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200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is investigating a potential…
A security analyst is investigating a potential data exfiltration incident. The analyst notices that a server is sending encrypted data to an external IP address during non-business hours. The server is supposed to only communicate with internal systems. What is the best immediate action?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the principle that containment must precede analysis; the trap here is that candidates choose 'Capture a PCAP' (Option D) because they think evidence collection is the first step, but in an active exfiltration, stopping the data loss is the priority.
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
✓
Disconnect the server from the network
Disconnecting the server from the network immediately stops the potential data exfiltration by severing all communication paths. This is the fastest way to contain the threat and prevent further data loss, aligning with the first step in incident response: containment. In a suspected exfiltration scenario, preserving the system state for forensic analysis is secondary to stopping the active data transfer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Disconnect the server from the network
Why this is correct
This immediately stops data transfer, preserving evidence and preventing further loss.
- ✗
Block the external IP address at the firewall
Why it's wrong here
Blocking the IP may stop exfiltration but does not address the root cause or prevent other exfiltration methods.
- ✗
Notify the server's administrator
Why it's wrong here
Notification is important but should not delay containment; the immediate action is to disconnect.
- ✗
Capture a packet capture (PCAP) of the traffic for analysis
Why it's wrong here
PCAP is useful for analysis but is not an immediate containment action; data continues to be exfiltrated.
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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.