hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is responding to an incident…
A security analyst is responding to an incident on a critical Windows server that hosts a database application. The server is running Windows Server 2019 with all current patches. The analyst suspects that a remote attacker gained access and is using living-off-the-land binaries to move laterally. The analyst has captured a memory dump and a full disk image. The analyst needs to determine if the attacker used PowerShell to download additional tools. Which analysis step should the analyst perform first to identify PowerShell usage?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between artifacts that show execution (prefetch, registry) versus artifacts that capture the actual command or script content (PowerShell operational logs), leading candidates to choose a less direct indicator like prefetch files.
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
✓
Parse PowerShell operational logs (Event ID 4104) to extract executed scripts and commands.
PowerShell operational logs, specifically Event ID 4104 (Script Block Logging), capture the full text of PowerShell scripts and commands executed on the system. Since the analyst suspects the attacker used PowerShell to download additional tools, parsing these logs is the most direct and efficient first step to confirm that activity. This log source provides the actual commands run, including any download commands like Invoke-WebRequest or Start-BitsTransfer, without relying on indirect artifacts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Examine the Windows Registry for Run keys to identify persistence mechanisms.
Why it's wrong here
Registry analysis may show persistence but does not reveal PowerShell command history.
- ✓
Parse PowerShell operational logs (Event ID 4104) to extract executed scripts and commands.
Why this is correct
PowerShell ScriptBlock logging captures the full script content, directly showing attacker commands.
- ✗
Review prefetch files (.pf) to determine when PowerShell was last executed.
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch shows execution times, not the commands executed.
- ✗
Analyze network connection logs to identify outbound connections to known malicious IPs.
Why it's wrong here
Network logs show connections but not the PowerShell commands; they are indirect evidence.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 979 original 200-201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.