- A
Large outbound data transfers to an external IP at unusual hours
Anomalous large transfers are typical for exfiltration.
- B
Images with unusual file sizes but normal resolution
Steganography often changes file size.
- C
DNS queries with base64-encoded subdomains
DNS exfiltration uses encoded subdomains.
- D
Consistent HTTPS traffic to a CDN
Why wrong: CDN traffic is normal for many services.
- E
Increased inbound web traffic
Why wrong: Inbound traffic is not exfiltration.
Question 908 of 1,000
200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. 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 suspected data exfiltration. Which THREE indicators in network traffic are most consistent with exfiltration? (Choose three.)
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
✓
Large outbound data transfers to an external IP at unusual hours
Large outbound data transfers to an external IP at unusual hours (A) are a classic indicator of data exfiltration because attackers often move stolen data during off-peak times to evade detection. This behavior deviates from normal business traffic patterns and can be flagged by network monitoring tools as anomalous. The volume and timing together suggest intentional data theft rather than routine operations.
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.
- ✓
Large outbound data transfers to an external IP at unusual hours
Why this is correct
Anomalous large transfers are typical for exfiltration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Images with unusual file sizes but normal resolution
Why this is correct
Steganography often changes file size.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
DNS queries with base64-encoded subdomains
Why this is correct
DNS exfiltration uses encoded subdomains.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Consistent HTTPS traffic to a CDN
Why it's wrong here
CDN traffic is normal for many services.
- ✗
Increased inbound web traffic
Why it's wrong here
Inbound traffic is not exfiltration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between normal and malicious traffic patterns; the trap here is that candidates may mistake any encrypted or high-volume traffic (like CDN or HTTPS) as suspicious, when in fact exfiltration indicators require specific anomalies like unusual timing, encoding, or file-size discrepancies.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Data exfiltration often leverages covert channels such as DNS tunneling, where base64-encoded subdomains (C) encapsulate stolen data in DNS queries to bypass firewalls that allow DNS traffic. Similarly, images with unusual file sizes but normal resolution (B) may indicate steganography, where hidden data is embedded in image pixels without altering visible content, a technique that evades signature-based detection. Real-world attacks like the SolarWinds breach used encrypted HTTPS traffic to blend in, but the combination of timing and volume (A) remains a key anomaly.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Large outbound data transfers to an external IP at unusual hours — Large outbound data transfers to an external IP at unusual hours (A) are a classic indicator of data exfiltration because attackers often move stolen data during off-peak times to evade detection. This behavior deviates from normal business traffic patterns and can be flagged by network monitoring tools as anomalous. The volume and timing together suggest intentional data theft rather than routine operations.
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.
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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.
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