easyMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: A SOC analyst receives an alert for 'Malware…
A SOC analyst receives an alert for 'Malware Detected' from an endpoint sensor. The analyst checks the endpoint and sees a file named 'invoice.exe' in the Downloads folder. What should the analyst do first?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the incident response priority of containment over eradication or escalation, and the trap here is that candidates may choose to delete the file (D) or run a scan (B) first, mistaking remediation for the initial response step.
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
✓
Isolate the host from the network.
The correct first step is to isolate the host from the network (C) because the alert indicates active malware ('invoice.exe' in Downloads). Containment is the immediate priority in incident response to prevent lateral movement and data exfiltration. Isolating the host stops any ongoing C2 communication or propagation over the network, aligning with the NIST SP 800-61 containment strategy.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Escalate to a senior analyst.
Why it's wrong here
Escalation transfers the decision without performing the immediate containment the alert demands; the analyst already holds the evidence needed to act. Escalation suits incidents exceeding the analyst's authority or tooling, such as suspected nation-state activity or a confirmed breach requiring legal and executive notification.
- ✗
Run a full antivirus scan.
Why it's wrong here
A full antivirus scan is remediation, not triage; it leaves the identified executable able to run while scanning unrelated files. Full scans suit routine hygiene sweeps or post-cleanup verification, not an active detection where the named file must be isolated from execution immediately.
- ✓
Isolate the host from the network.
Why this is correct
Isolating the host first contains the threat, preventing lateral movement, command-and-control traffic, and further payload execution while evidence remains intact. Analysis, scoping, and eradication follow only once the endpoint can no longer communicate with other systems or the internet.
- ✗
Delete the file immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Deleting the file destroys forensic evidence and may trigger re-infection while the initial access vector remains unknown. It is tempting because it appears to neutralise the threat fast, but it is the correct choice only after isolation, evidence capture and scope assessment are complete.
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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.