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200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is investigating an alert from…
A security analyst is investigating an alert from a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) that detected a file modification in the system32 directory. Which log source should the analyst check first to understand the process that made the change?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between host-based logs (Windows Event Logs) and network-based logs (firewall, NetFlow, DNS), expecting candidates to recognize that only host logs can reveal the process responsible for a local file change.
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
✓
Windows Event Logs.
Windows Event Logs (specifically Security Event ID 4656 or 4663) record detailed information about file operations, including the process that initiated the modification. Since the HIDS detected a file change in system32, the Event Logs provide the process name, user account, and timestamp needed to trace the source of the modification.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Firewall logs.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs show network connections, not local file changes.
- ✓
Windows Event Logs.
Why this is correct
Windows Event Logs record process creation events that can identify the process modifying files.
- ✗
NetFlow data.
Why it's wrong here
NetFlow shows network flows, not process activity on a host.
- ✗
DNS logs.
Why it's wrong here
DNS logs record domain name queries, not file system modifications.
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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.