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200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst is reviewing the firewall log…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` Event: Firewall log entry Time: 2023-10-05 14:23:45 Source IP: 192.168.1.50 Destination IP: 203.0.113.5 Source Port: 49152 Destination Port: 443 Protocol: TCP Action: ALLOW Bytes: 1452 Flags: ACK ```
A security analyst is reviewing the firewall log exhibit. The analyst suspects that this traffic might be part of a command-and-control (C2) communication based on the packet size and the timing of similar events. Which TWO additional pieces of evidence would most strongly support the suspicion of C2 traffic?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between generic network behavior (like consistent packet sizes or common port usage) and specific indicators of compromise (like threat intelligence matches or periodic beaconing), trapping candidates who mistake normal traffic patterns for malicious activity.
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 destination IP is listed in a threat intelligence feed as a known C2 server.
A destination IP listed in a threat intelligence feed as a known C2 server directly indicates that the endpoint is associated with malicious command-and-control infrastructure. This external corroboration is strong evidence that the traffic is part of a C2 channel, as threat feeds aggregate confirmed indicators of compromise (IoCs) from multiple sources.
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 packet size is consistently 1452 bytes across multiple connections.
Why it's wrong here
Consistent packet size is not strong evidence alone; normal traffic can have similar sizes.
- ✓
The destination IP is listed in a threat intelligence feed as a known C2 server.
Why this is correct
Threat intelligence provides direct evidence of malicious intent.
- ✓
The same source IP makes similar connections to the same destination IP every 60 seconds.
Why this is correct
Periodic connections are indicative of C2 beaconing.
- ✗
The source IP also connected to multiple other external IPs on port 443 within the same hour.
Why it's wrong here
Multiple connections to different IPs could be normal web browsing.
- ✗
The traffic is using HTTPS (port 443) which is commonly used for covert channels.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS is also used for legitimate purposes; alone it is not strong evidence.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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