easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: A SOC analyst is investigating a suspicious file…
A SOC analyst is investigating a suspicious file on a Windows host. The file hash matches a known malware variant in a threat intelligence feed. What is the next best step for host-based analysis?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between host-based analysis (focusing on local artifacts like persistence, processes, and registry) and network-based containment (like disabling adapters), so candidates mistakenly choose network isolation steps when the question explicitly asks for host-based analysis.
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
✓
Check for persistence mechanisms such as registry Run keys or scheduled tasks
After confirming a file hash matches a known malware variant, the immediate priority for host-based analysis is to determine how the malware maintains persistence on the system. Persistence mechanisms such as Registry Run keys (e.g., HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run) or scheduled tasks (via schtasks.exe) allow malware to survive reboots and re-establish execution. Identifying these artifacts is critical for containment and eradication, as it reveals the malware's foothold and prevents re-infection after removal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan on the host
Why it's wrong here
AV is reactive and may not catch all variants; dynamic analysis is better.
- ✗
Disable the network adapter to prevent further communication
Why it's wrong here
Isolating the host is important, but analysis of persistence is needed before remediation.
- ✓
Check for persistence mechanisms such as registry Run keys or scheduled tasks
Why this is correct
Malware often adds persistence. Examining startup locations helps determine scope and removal.
- ✗
Reboot the host to clear the malware from memory
Why it's wrong here
Rebooting may destroy evidence and doesn't remove persistence.
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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.