Quick Answer
The answer is a false positive, because the IDS alert flagged SQL-like patterns in traffic from a known internal web server performing legitimate database queries. IDS signatures are pattern-based and often trigger on SQL syntax in payloads, even when the traffic is benign—such as parameterized queries from a trusted source. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish false positives from true threats by verifying source context and expected behavior, a core SOC analyst skill. A common trap is assuming any SQL pattern is malicious; instead, always correlate alerts with asset roles and baseline activity. Memory tip: “Trust the source, not just the signature”—if the IP is known and the action is expected, suspect a false positive first.
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 SOC analyst examines an alert generated by an IDS. The alert indicates a potential SQL injection attempt. However, the analyst finds that the source IP is a known internal web server that performs legitimate database queries. What is the most likely explanation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
The web server is compromised
Why wrong: No other signs of compromise are indicated.
The traffic is legitimate but the IDS has a false positive
The IDS likely flagged normal database queries as malicious.
The IDS is misconfigured
Why wrong: Misconfiguration could cause fales, but the traffic looks legitimate here.
The analyst should ignore the alert
Why wrong: Alerts should be investigated, not ignored.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The traffic is legitimate but the IDS has a false positive
The correct answer is B because the source IP is a known internal web server that performs legitimate database queries. IDS signatures often trigger on SQL-like patterns in traffic, and when the traffic matches the signature but is actually benign (e.g., a web server sending parameterized queries), it constitutes a false positive. The analyst's verification that the source is a trusted internal server performing expected operations confirms the alert is not a true threat.
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.
The web server is compromised
Why it's wrong here
No other signs of compromise are indicated.
The traffic is legitimate but the IDS has a false positive
Why this is correct
The IDS likely flagged normal database queries as malicious.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The IDS is misconfigured
Why it's wrong here
Misconfiguration could cause fales, but the traffic looks legitimate here.
The analyst should ignore the alert
Why it's wrong here
Alerts should be investigated, not ignored.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between a false positive (benign traffic flagged as malicious) and a true positive (actual attack), where candidates mistakenly assume any SQL pattern in traffic indicates compromise or misconfiguration rather than recognizing legitimate database queries from a trusted internal server.
Detailed technical explanation
Signature-based IDS systems like Snort or Suricata use pattern matching against payloads (e.g., detecting 'OR 1=1' or 'UNION SELECT' strings). A false positive occurs when benign traffic, such as a web server's SQL query containing 'SELECT * FROM users', matches the signature. Tuning involves creating whitelist rules based on source IP, destination port, or application context to reduce noise, but this requires careful validation to avoid missing real attacks.
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: The traffic is legitimate but the IDS has a false positive — The correct answer is B because the source IP is a known internal web server that performs legitimate database queries. IDS signatures often trigger on SQL-like patterns in traffic, and when the traffic matches the signature but is actually benign (e.g., a web server sending parameterized queries), it constitutes a false positive. The analyst's verification that the source is a trusted internal server performing expected operations confirms the alert is not a true threat.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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