- A
An SSH brute-force attack from the internal host
The repeated connection attempts to port 22 with varying source ports is characteristic of a brute-force attempt.
- B
DNS tunneling
Why wrong: DNS tunneling uses port 53, not 22.
- C
A legitimate SSH session
Why wrong: Legitimate SSH connections would not generate multiple denied attempts with different source ports.
- D
A port scan from the external host
Why wrong: The source is internal (10.0.0.5), not external.
Question 715 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 firewall logs and sees repeated entries: 'Deny TCP 10.0.0.5:49152 -> 203.0.113.1:22' and 'Deny TCP 10.0.0.5:49153 -> 203.0.113.1:22'. What does this pattern suggest?
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
✓
An SSH brute-force attack from the internal host
Multiple denied connection attempts from the same internal IP to the same external IP on port 22 (SSH) with different source ports indicates a brute-force SSH attack. The firewall is denying the connections, but the pattern is indicative of an attack.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
An SSH brute-force attack from the internal host
Why this is correct
The repeated connection attempts to port 22 with varying source ports is characteristic of a brute-force attempt.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
DNS tunneling
Why it's wrong here
DNS tunneling uses port 53, not 22.
- ✗
A legitimate SSH session
Why it's wrong here
Legitimate SSH connections would not generate multiple denied attempts with different source ports.
- ✗
A port scan from the external host
Why it's wrong here
The source is internal (10.0.0.5), not external.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 200-201 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: An SSH brute-force attack from the internal host — Multiple denied connection attempts from the same internal IP to the same external IP on port 22 (SSH) with different source ports indicates a brute-force SSH attack. The firewall is denying the connections, but the pattern is indicative of an attack.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 200-201 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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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