- A
URLs
URLs can show where data was sent.
- B
IP addresses
Why wrong: IP addresses can be dynamic and less specific to files.
- C
Mutex names
Why wrong: Mutex names are indicators of malware presence, not exfiltration.
- D
Registry keys
Why wrong: Registry keys are more relevant for persistence on a host.
- E
File hashes (MD5/SHA-256)
File hashes uniquely identify files exfiltrated.
Question 172 of 1,000
200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security monitoring. 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 is investigating a potential data exfiltration incident. Which TWO Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) would be most relevant for tracking the exfiltration of files over the network?
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
✓
URLs
URLs are correct because they can indicate the destination of exfiltrated data, such as a cloud storage endpoint or a command-and-control server. File hashes (MD5/SHA-256) are correct because they uniquely identify the specific files being transferred, allowing the analyst to track known malicious or sensitive files across the network.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
URLs
Why this is correct
URLs can show where data was sent.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
IP addresses
Why it's wrong here
IP addresses can be dynamic and less specific to files.
- ✗
Mutex names
Why it's wrong here
Mutex names are indicators of malware presence, not exfiltration.
- ✗
Registry keys
Why it's wrong here
Registry keys are more relevant for persistence on a host.
- ✓
File hashes (MD5/SHA-256)
Why this is correct
File hashes uniquely identify files exfiltrated.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between host-based IoCs (mutexes, registry keys) and network-based IoCs (URLs, IPs, file hashes) in data exfiltration scenarios, leading candidates to mistakenly select mutex or registry options.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
URLs often contain path segments, query parameters, or subdomains that reveal the exact resource being accessed, such as /upload?file=secret.docx. File hashes provide a cryptographic fingerprint (e.g., SHA-256) that remains constant even if the filename changes, enabling correlation across different network flows or logs. In practice, analysts combine URL analysis with file hash lookups in threat intelligence feeds to confirm exfiltration to known malicious destinations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Security Monitoring — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security Monitoring practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 200-201 questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
200-201 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 200-201 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security Monitoring practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to Security Monitoring.
Network Intrusion Analysis practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to Network Intrusion Analysis.
Security Policies and Procedures practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to Security Policies and Procedures.
Host-Based Analysis practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to Host-Based Analysis.
Security Concepts practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to Security Concepts.
200-201 fundamentals practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to 200-201 fundamentals.
200-201 scenario practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to 200-201 scenario.
200-201 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise 200-201 questions linked to 200-201 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free 200-201 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: URLs — URLs are correct because they can indicate the destination of exfiltrated data, such as a cloud storage endpoint or a command-and-control server. File hashes (MD5/SHA-256) are correct because they uniquely identify the specific files being transferred, allowing the analyst to track known malicious or sensitive files across the network.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.