200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
A SOC analyst is investigating a potential data exfiltration incident. Which TWO indicators from NetFlow/IPFIX analysis would most strongly suggest data exfiltration?
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
✓
Connection to an IP address flagged as malicious in threat intelligence
The two strongest indicators of data exfiltration from NetFlow/IPFIX are: (1) a high volume of data transferred to a single external IP address (Option D), suggesting large-scale data theft; and (2) communication with an IP address flagged as malicious (Option B), which may indicate a command-and-control server or a known exfiltration destination. Option A (consistent traffic at regular intervals) is more characteristic of beaconing or keep-alive traffic, often associated with C2 but not directly exfiltration. Option C (multiple connection attempts to various ports) describes a port scan, which is reconnaissance activity, not exfiltration. Option E (low volume of traffic to multiple external IPs) is typical of normal browsing activity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Consistent traffic at regular intervals to an external IP
Why it's wrong here
Regular intervals indicate beaconing, which may be C2 but not necessarily exfiltration.
- ✓
Connection to an IP address flagged as malicious in threat intelligence
Why this is correct
Communicating with a known malicious IP suggests data being sent to an attacker-controlled server.
- ✗
Multiple connection attempts to various ports on the same external IP
Why it's wrong here
This suggests a port scan, not data exfiltration.
- ✓
High volume of data transferred to a single external IP address
Why this is correct
A sudden large data transfer to one external IP is a classic sign of exfiltration.
- ✗
Low volume of traffic to multiple external IPs
Why it's wrong here
This is typical of normal web browsing.
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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.