200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing Windows Event Logs on a domain controller. The analyst sees multiple Event ID 4769 (Kerberos service ticket was requested) with the same user account but different service names, occurring in a short time frame. Which of the following attacks is MOST likely indicated?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse Kerberoasting with other Kerberos attacks; 4769 specifically logs service ticket requests, which are central to Kerberoasting, not Golden Ticket or DCSync.
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
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Kerberoasting
Kerberoasting is an attack where an adversary requests Kerberos service tickets for service accounts and then cracks them offline. Event ID 4769 is generated for each TGS request. A burst of 4769 events with different service names from the same user is a strong indicator. Monitoring for such patterns helps detect Kerberoasting attempts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Kerberoasting
Why this is correct
Kerberoasting involves requesting Kerberos service tickets (TGS) for service accounts and cracking them offline. Event ID 4769 is logged when a TGS is requested. Multiple requests for different services in a short time by the same user is a classic sign. The attacker then extracts the ticket and attempts to crack the service account's password.
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Golden Ticket
Why it's wrong here
A Golden Ticket attack involves forging a TGT using the KRBTGT account hash. It would generate Event ID 4768 (TGT request) or 4624, but not necessarily multiple 4769 events. Golden Ticket grants access to any service, but the ticket requests would be for a single service or none. The pattern of multiple 4769 events is more indicative of Kerberoasting.
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Pass-the-Hash
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-Hash involves using an NTLM hash to authenticate without knowing the plaintext password. It typically generates Event ID 4624 (logon) with logon type 3 and NTLM authentication, not 4769. Kerberos service ticket requests (4769) are not the primary indicator of Pass-the-Hash. Thus, this is incorrect.
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DCSync
Why it's wrong here
DCSync is a technique to replicate directory services data by impersonating a domain controller. It generates Event ID 4662 (directory service access) and possibly 4624, but not 4769. DCSync does not request service tickets; it directly pulls password hashes. Therefore, this is not the correct answer.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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.