200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst discovers that a Windows system executes a payload each time a user logs in, even before the desktop appears. Which registry key is most likely used for such persistence, and why would it be harder to detect than typical Run keys?
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
✓
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_DLLs
AppInit_DLLs loads DLLs into every process that loads user32.dll, making it a stealthy persistence mechanism.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
Why it's wrong here
Policies Run key is less common but still more detectable than AppInit_DLLs.
- ✗
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Why it's wrong here
RunOnce runs only once and is also commonly monitored.
- ✓
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_DLLs
Why this is correct
AppInit_DLLs loads a DLL into each process using user32.dll, providing stealthy persistence.
- ✗
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why it's wrong here
Run keys are common and easily inspected by security tools.
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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.