200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing logs to identify a potential brute force attack. Which TWO log entries would be most suspicious? (Choose TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a single failed login and a pattern of repeated failures, tricking candidates into thinking any failed login is suspicious, when in fact only a high volume of failures from the same source indicates a brute force attempt.
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
✓
Successful login from IP 10.0.0.9 after 50 failed attempts.
A successful login immediately following 50 failed attempts from the same IP is a classic indicator of a brute force attack that eventually succeeded. This pattern shows an attacker systematically trying credentials until one works, which is a high-severity security event requiring immediate investigation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Successful login from IP 10.0.0.9 after 50 failed attempts.
Why this is correct
Success after many failures strongly indicates a successful brute force.
- ✗
A single successful login from a known IP during business hours.
Why it's wrong here
This is normal activity.
- ✗
A failed login attempt from an external IP at 3:00 AM.
Why it's wrong here
A single failure is not suspicious; could be user error.
- ✓
50 failed login attempts from IP 10.0.0.9 within 2 minutes.
Why this is correct
High frequency of failed attempts from one IP is classic brute force.
- ✗
A user changing their password after a successful login.
Why it's wrong here
This is normal security practice.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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