- A
Generate an alert
The 'alert' action generates an alert when the rule matches.
- B
Log the packet only
Why wrong: 'Alert' generates an alert and logs, not just log.
- C
Drop the packet
Why wrong: 'Drop' is used in IPS mode; this rule uses 'alert'.
- D
Reject the connection
Why wrong: 'Reject' sends a TCP RST; this rule uses 'alert'.
Question 362 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 Snort IDS alerts and sees the following rule triggered: alert tcp $HOME_NET any -> $EXTERNAL_NET 80 (msg:'Possible SQL Injection'; content:'UNION'; nocase; sid:1000001;). Which action will Snort take when it detects matching traffic?
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
✓
Generate an alert
The rule uses the Snort 'alert' action, which instructs Snort to generate an alert when the traffic matches the specified conditions (TCP traffic from any port on the home network to port 80 on an external network, with the string 'UNION' present in the payload, case-insensitive). Snort's default behavior for an 'alert' action is to log the packet and generate an alert, but it does not drop or reject the traffic because Snort is an IDS (Intrusion Detection System) by default, not an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System).
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.
- ✓
Generate an alert
Why this is correct
The 'alert' action generates an alert when the rule matches.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Log the packet only
Why it's wrong here
'Alert' generates an alert and logs, not just log.
- ✗
Drop the packet
Why it's wrong here
'Drop' is used in IPS mode; this rule uses 'alert'.
- ✗
Reject the connection
Why it's wrong here
'Reject' sends a TCP RST; this rule uses 'alert'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between Snort's 'alert' action (IDS behavior: alert and log) versus 'drop' or 'reject' actions (IPS behavior: block or reset), and candidates mistakenly assume any triggered rule will block traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Snort operates in either IDS mode (default) or IPS mode (inline). In IDS mode, 'alert' actions only generate alerts and log packets; they cannot block traffic. To drop packets, the rule must use the 'drop' action and Snort must be deployed inline (e.g., as part of a firewall or using iptables). The 'nocase' modifier makes the content match case-insensitive, which is critical for SQL injection detection because 'UNION' may appear in various cases.
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.
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: Generate an alert — The rule uses the Snort 'alert' action, which instructs Snort to generate an alert when the traffic matches the specified conditions (TCP traffic from any port on the home network to port 80 on an external network, with the string 'UNION' present in the payload, case-insensitive). Snort's default behavior for an 'alert' action is to log the packet and generate an alert, but it does not drop or reject the traffic because Snort is an IDS (Intrusion Detection System) by default, not an IPS (Intrusion Prevention System).
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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