easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst notices a sudden spike in…
A security analyst notices a sudden spike in NetFlow data from a single workstation to multiple external IP addresses on port 443. What is the most likely explanation for this traffic pattern?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that any HTTPS traffic is benign, but the trap here is that a sudden spike in outbound HTTPS flows from a single source to many external IPs is abnormal and indicates data exfiltration, not normal web browsing.
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
✓
Potential data exfiltration
A single workstation sending a sudden spike of NetFlow data to multiple external IP addresses on port 443 (HTTPS) is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often encrypt stolen data in HTTPS tunnels to evade detection, and the abrupt increase in outbound connections to many distinct external hosts is not typical of normal user behavior. NetFlow records showing a high volume of flows from one source to many destinations on the same port strongly suggest an automated process, such as a data theft tool, rather than legitimate traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Internal network scanning
Why it's wrong here
Internal scanning would target internal IPs, not external ones.
- ✗
Normal web browsing activity
Why it's wrong here
Normal browsing shows more varied and less consistent destinations.
- ✓
Potential data exfiltration
Why this is correct
Multiple connections to many external IPs on the same port (443) at a high rate suggests beaconing or data theft.
- ✗
A scheduled software update
Why it's wrong here
Software updates typically go to a limited set of known update servers.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.