hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A security analyst observes a sudden spike in…
A security analyst observes a sudden spike in outbound traffic from a critical server to an external IP address on TCP port 443. The server is a web application server that normally only receives inbound connections. Which type of intrusion is most likely occurring?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between inbound attack types (like SQL injection or brute-force) and outbound indicators of compromise (like C2 traffic), leading candidates to confuse the direction of the traffic with the attack vector.
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
✓
Command-and-control (C2) communication from malware on the server
A sudden spike in outbound traffic from a server that normally only receives inbound connections is a classic indicator of command-and-control (C2) communication. Malware on the server often establishes outbound HTTPS (TCP 443) connections to a C2 server to exfiltrate data or receive instructions, bypassing firewalls that typically allow outbound web 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.
- ✗
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack from the server
Why it's wrong here
DDoS would show many sources targeting the server, not outbound traffic from it.
- ✗
Brute-force attack on the server's SSH service
Why it's wrong here
Brute-force would show many inbound connection attempts, not outbound spikes.
- ✗
SQL injection attack against the server
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection is an inbound attack targeting the database.
- ✓
Command-and-control (C2) communication from malware on the server
Why this is correct
Malware often uses HTTPS outbound to establish C2 while evading detection.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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