mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is reviewing logs from a…
A security analyst is reviewing logs from a network-based IPS that detected traffic from an internal host connecting to a known malicious IP address on port 6667. The traffic is encrypted IRC. Which conclusion is most likely?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that encrypted traffic is always benign or that port 6667 is only used for legitimate chat, leading candidates to overlook the known malicious IP indicator.
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 host is compromised and part of a botnet
Port 6667 is the default port for IRC (Internet Relay Chat), and encrypted IRC traffic to a known malicious IP strongly indicates command-and-control (C2) communication. Botnets commonly use IRC over TLS/SSL to evade detection and issue commands to compromised hosts. Therefore, the host is most likely compromised and part of a botnet.
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 traffic is a normal application update
Why it's wrong here
Normal updates do not use IRC to known malicious IPs.
- ✗
The host is running a legitimate IRC client
Why it's wrong here
Legitimate clients would not connect to known malicious IPs.
- ✓
The host is compromised and part of a botnet
Why this is correct
Encrypted IRC to a malicious IP is a strong botnet indicator.
- ✗
The IPS is generating a false positive
Why it's wrong here
Known malicious IP reduces likelihood of false positive.
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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.