- A
The user is browsing the web and the firewall is blocking HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP uses port 80, not 445.
- B
The workstation is performing a DNS lookup
Why wrong: DNS uses port 53.
- C
The workstation is infected with malware attempting to spread via SMB
Many worms and ransomware use SMB to propagate.
- D
The workstation is performing a legitimate file transfer using FTP
Why wrong: FTP uses ports 20/21, not 445.
Question 133 of 1,000
200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security monitoring. 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 reviewing firewall logs and notices a high number of denied outbound connections from an internal workstation to various external IP addresses on port 445 (SMB). What is the most likely explanation for this activity?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
✓
The workstation is infected with malware attempting to spread via SMB
Port 445 is used by SMB (Server Message Block) for file sharing and network communication. A high volume of denied outbound connections from a single workstation to many external IPs on this port is a classic indicator of malware attempting to propagate via SMB vulnerabilities, such as EternalBlue (MS17-010). Legitimate SMB traffic is typically confined to internal networks, not external scanning.
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.
- ✗
The user is browsing the web and the firewall is blocking HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP uses port 80, not 445.
- ✗
The workstation is performing a DNS lookup
Why it's wrong here
DNS uses port 53.
- ✓
The workstation is infected with malware attempting to spread via SMB
Why this is correct
Many worms and ransomware use SMB to propagate.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The workstation is performing a legitimate file transfer using FTP
Why it's wrong here
FTP uses ports 20/21, not 445.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the association of specific ports with their services (e.g., SMB = 445) and expects candidates to recognize that anomalous outbound scanning on a file-sharing port indicates malware, not a benign application.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB operates over NetBIOS (port 139) or directly over TCP (port 445). Malware like WannaCry and NotPetya exploited SMBv1 vulnerabilities to spread laterally, scanning random external IPs for unpatched systems. Firewall logs showing repeated SYN packets to port 445 on diverse external addresses are a strong indicator of worm-like propagation behavior, as legitimate SMB traffic is rarely directed outward.
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.
Quick reference
IPv4 Address Class Summary
| Class | First Octet Range | Default Mask | Networks | Hosts per Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1–126 | /8 (255.0.0.0) | 126 | 16,777,214 |
| B | 128–191 | /16 (255.255.0.0) | 16,384 | 65,534 |
| C | 192–223 | /24 (255.255.255.0) | 2,097,152 | 254 |
| D | 224–239 | N/A | Multicast groups | — |
| E | 240–255 | N/A | Reserved / experimental | — |
127.x.x.x is reserved for loopback. Modern networks use CIDR (classless) rather than classful addressing.
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?
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The workstation is infected with malware attempting to spread via SMB — Port 445 is used by SMB (Server Message Block) for file sharing and network communication. A high volume of denied outbound connections from a single workstation to many external IPs on this port is a classic indicator of malware attempting to propagate via SMB vulnerabilities, such as EternalBlue (MS17-010). Legitimate SMB traffic is typically confined to internal networks, not external scanning.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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