Quick Answer
The correct answer is a brute-force attack. This is because the log pattern of multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address directly matches the technical definition of a brute-force attack, where an attacker systematically submits numerous password or username guesses against a single service or account until a valid credential is found. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish brute-force activity from other threats like dictionary attacks (which use a wordlist) or credential stuffing (which uses known breached credentials across multiple accounts). A common trap is confusing it with a denial-of-service attack, but brute-force focuses on guessing credentials, not overwhelming resources. To remember this, think of the single IP as a battering ram: one source, many attempts, trying to force the door open.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security analyst reviews logs and finds multiple failed login attempts from a single IP. This is indicative of what type of attack?
Man-in-the-middle
Why wrong: MITM attacks intercept communications, not directly login attempts.
Phishing
Why wrong: Phishing is a social engineering attack via email or messages.
DDoS
Why wrong: DDoS overwhelms resources with traffic, not specific login attempts.
Brute-force
Repeated failed login attempts from one source suggest a brute-force attack.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Brute-force
Multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address are characteristic of a brute-force attack, where an attacker systematically tries many passwords (or usernames) against a single account or service until successful. This pattern is distinct from other attack types because it involves repeated authentication attempts from one source, aiming to guess credentials rather than intercept traffic, deceive users, or overwhelm resources.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Man-in-the-middle
Why it's wrong here
MITM attacks intercept communications, not directly login attempts.
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is a social engineering attack via email or messages.
DDoS
Why it's wrong here
DDoS overwhelms resources with traffic, not specific login attempts.
Brute-force
Why this is correct
Repeated failed login attempts from one source suggest a brute-force attack.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between a brute-force attack (single source, many attempts) and a DDoS attack (many sources, high volume of traffic), so the trap here is confusing a single-source authentication attack with a distributed resource exhaustion attack.
Detailed technical explanation
In a brute-force attack, the attacker typically uses tools like Hydra or Medusa to iterate through password lists against protocols such as SSH (port 22), RDP (port 3389), or web login forms. Logs will show repeated 'Authentication failure' or 'Invalid password' events from the same source IP, often with timestamps indicating rapid sequential attempts. Rate limiting or account lockout policies (e.g., fail2ban) are common mitigations, but attackers may rotate IPs or slow down attempts to evade detection.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Brute-force — Multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address are characteristic of a brute-force attack, where an attacker systematically tries many passwords (or usernames) against a single account or service until successful. This pattern is distinct from other attack types because it involves repeated authentication attempts from one source, aiming to guess credentials rather than intercept traffic, deceive users, or overwhelm resources.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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