200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
A threat hunter identifies a binary that uses a Domain Generation Algorithm (DGA) to create domain names like 'eksdghf23.com', 'mzncxv89.net' each day. The malware contacts these domains over HTTPS. Which phase of the Cyber Kill Chain is most directly associated with this technique?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is confusing C2 with Installation or Actions on Objectives — candidates may see 'malware contacts domains' and think Installation, or see 'HTTPS' and think exfiltration (Actions on Objectives), but the key is that DGA beaconing is the C2 channel.
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
✓
Command and Control
The use of a DGA to generate domain names that the malware contacts over HTTPS is the defining characteristic of the Command and Control (C2) phase. The malware is attempting to reach its operator's infrastructure to receive instructions or send data. This occurs after the malware is installed and before the attacker achieves their objectives.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Installation
Why it's wrong here
Installation covers establishing persistence on the victim host, such as dropping a service or registry run key. DGA resolution is outbound beaconing to locate the C2 server, which belongs to Command and Control. Installation would be correct if the binary were writing persistence mechanisms to survive reboots.
- ✗
Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation covers the adversary leveraging a vulnerability to execute code on the target. DGA domain lookups are command-and-control rendezvous traffic occurring after compromise, so they sit in the Command and Control phase. Exploitation would be the answer if the stem described triggering a software vulnerability to gain code execution.
- ✓
Command and Control
Why this is correct
DGA-generated domains provide resilient command and control infrastructure, letting malware receive instructions and exfiltrate data despite takedown attempts. The HTTPS beaconing to algorithmically generated names is the defining C2 signature, directly satisfying the stem's requirement to identify the Cyber Kill Chain phase for this technique.
- ✗
Actions on Objectives
Why it's wrong here
Actions on Objectives covers the adversary achieving their goal, such as exfiltration, encryption or lateral movement. DGA lookups merely establish the C2 channel that precedes those actions, so they map to Command and Control. Actions on Objectives would fit if data were being stolen or ransomware deployed.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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.