hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is reviewing host-based logs…
A security analyst is reviewing host-based logs from a compromised system. The Windows Security Event Log shows multiple Event ID 4625 (failed logon) from a single source IP, but no successful logon. The network team confirms that IP is a known scanning host. What is the most likely explanation for the lack of successful logon events?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that a lack of successful logon events means the logs were tampered with or that certain attack types bypass logging, when in fact the absence of Event ID 4624 alongside multiple 4625 events is the definitive indicator of a failed brute-force attack.
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 brute-force attack did not succeed in gaining access
Event ID 4625 specifically records failed logon attempts. The absence of a corresponding Event ID 4624 (successful logon) from the same source IP indicates that none of the authentication attempts succeeded. Since the network team confirms the IP belongs to a known scanning host, the most likely explanation is that the brute-force attack failed to guess valid credentials.
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 brute-force attack did not succeed in gaining access
Why this is correct
Failed logons without success indicate the attacker did not compromise the account.
- ✗
The logon type was interactive, which is not recorded by Event ID 4625
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 4625 records all failed logon attempts regardless of type.
- ✗
The attacker successfully logged in but the logs were deleted by the attacker
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the scenario indicates no successful logon, and logs are present for failures. Deletion would likely affect all logs.
- ✗
The attacker used a pass-the-hash technique that bypasses logon events
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash still generates logon events, just with NTLM hash.
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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.