200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing Windows Event Logs to determine if a user account was recently created on a compromised host. Which Windows Event ID should the analyst look for in the Security log to identify user account creation events?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse logon-related event IDs (such as 4624 or 4625) with account management events like 4720.
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
✓
Event ID 4720
Windows Security Event ID 4720 is specifically logged when a user account is created. It contains fields such as TargetUserName (the new account) and SubjectUserName (the account that created it). This event is critical for detecting unauthorized account creation, which attackers often use for persistence. Other event IDs like 4624 (logon) or 4625 (failed logon) do not indicate account creation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Event ID 4672
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 4672 is logged when a user with administrative privileges logs on. It indicates that special privileges were assigned to a new logon session. It does not signify the creation of a user account; rather, it shows that an existing privileged account was used.
- ✓
Event ID 4720
Why this is correct
Event ID 4720 is generated when a new user account is created. It includes the target username and the subject (the account that performed the creation). This is the correct event ID to identify user account creation activity, which is a common persistence technique used by attackers to maintain access to a compromised system.
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Event ID 4624
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 4624 indicates a successful logon. It records details such as the account name, logon type, and source IP. While useful for tracking access, it does not indicate that a new user account was created. The analyst should look for a different event ID that specifically logs account creation.
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Event ID 4625
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 4625 indicates a failed logon attempt. It is useful for detecting brute-force attacks or unauthorized access attempts, but it does not relate to account creation. The analyst would not find evidence of a new user account in this event.
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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
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