200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
An analyst detects an internal host communicating with an external IP known for malware distribution. Which THREE of the following are valid Indicators of Compromise (IoCs) that should be recorded?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between direct network-based IoCs (domain, IP, file hash) and host-based artifacts (registry keys, user email) that may require additional correlation to be considered valid IoCs for a specific event.
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
✓
Domain name used in the communication
The domain name used in the communication is a classic Indicator of Compromise (IoC). When an internal host contacts an external IP known for malware distribution, the domain name (e.g., via DNS query) provides a persistent, human-readable identifier that can be used to block or investigate the threat, even if the IP address changes. This aligns with the NIST definition of IoCs as forensic evidence of a potential intrusion.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Domain name used in the communication
Why this is correct
Domains are common IoCs.
- ✗
Email address of the user
Why it's wrong here
Email addresses are more for phishing IoCs, not network comm.
- ✓
IP address of the external server
Why this is correct
IP addresses are typical IoCs.
- ✓
MD5 hash of a downloaded file
Why this is correct
File hashes identify malicious files.
- ✗
Registry key from the endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Registry keys are host-based, not network IoCs.
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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.