200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst examines a Windows endpoint and finds a suspicious executable in the Startup folder. Which registry key is commonly used for persistence via legitimate startup programs and is often abused by malware?
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
✓
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
The Run and RunOnce keys in both HKLM and HKCU cause programs to execute at user logon. They are commonly abused for persistence.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\
Why it's wrong here
Services key is for Windows services, not startup programs in the Startup folder.
- ✓
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
Correct. Run keys are common for both legitimate and malicious startup.
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
Why it's wrong here
This key is used for policies, not typical startup persistence.
- ✗
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
Why it's wrong here
This key is used for debugging and can be abused for persistence but is not directly related to the Startup folder.
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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.