- A
Normal file sharing activity
Why wrong: Normal file sharing would typically be with a limited set of IPs.
- B
Data exfiltration over SMB
Why wrong: Exfiltration would likely go to a single IP, not many.
- C
SMB scanning or worm propagation
Multiple SMB connections to different IPs suggest scanning or worm activity.
- D
DNS tunneling
Why wrong: DNS tunneling uses port 53, not 445.
Question 521 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 reviewing a NetFlow record and sees that a single internal IP has communicated with multiple external IPs on port 445 (SMB) within a short time frame. Which type of activity is most likely indicated?
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.
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
✓
SMB scanning or worm propagation
Port 445 is used by SMB for file sharing, but a single internal IP communicating with many external IPs in a short time frame is characteristic of scanning or worm propagation. Worms like EternalBlue exploit SMB vulnerabilities to spread rapidly, generating many outbound connections to random or sequential external IPs on port 445. This pattern is not typical of normal file sharing, which involves sustained connections to known servers.
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.
- ✗
Normal file sharing activity
Why it's wrong here
Normal file sharing would typically be with a limited set of IPs.
- ✗
Data exfiltration over SMB
Why it's wrong here
Exfiltration would likely go to a single IP, not many.
- ✓
SMB scanning or worm propagation
Why this is correct
Multiple SMB connections to different IPs suggest scanning or worm activity.
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.
- ✗
DNS tunneling
Why it's wrong here
DNS tunneling uses port 53, not 445.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between normal traffic patterns and malicious scanning by using a single internal IP connecting to many external IPs on a specific port, where candidates may mistakenly associate SMB only with legitimate file sharing (Option A) rather than recognizing the scanning behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB scanning often leverages the SMBv1 protocol, which is vulnerable to remote code execution exploits like EternalBlue (MS17-010). Tools such as Metasploit's auxiliary/scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010 module or worms like WannaCry generate a high volume of outbound SYN packets to port 445 on random external IPs to identify vulnerable targets. NetFlow records capture flow-level metadata (source/destination IP, port, protocol, timestamps) but not payload content, making behavioral analysis—like a sudden spike in unique destination IPs on a single port—key for detection.
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.
Quick reference
Common DNS Record Types
| Record | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| A | IPv4 address mapping | example.com → 93.184.216.34 |
| AAAA | IPv6 address mapping | example.com → 2606:2800::1 |
| CNAME | Alias to another hostname | www → example.com |
| MX | Mail server for domain | example.com → mail.example.com (priority 10) |
| TXT | Text data (SPF, DKIM, verification) | v=spf1 include:_spf.example.com ~all |
| NS | Authoritative name servers | example.com NS ns1.example.com |
| PTR | Reverse DNS (IP → hostname) | 34.216.184.93.in-addr.arpa → example.com |
| SOA | Zone authority record | Primary NS, admin email, serial, TTL defaults |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: SMB scanning or worm propagation — Port 445 is used by SMB for file sharing, but a single internal IP communicating with many external IPs in a short time frame is characteristic of scanning or worm propagation. Worms like EternalBlue exploit SMB vulnerabilities to spread rapidly, generating many outbound connections to random or sequential external IPs on port 445. This pattern is not typical of normal file sharing, which involves sustained connections to known servers.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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