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200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is examining a Linux host suspected of…
An analyst is examining a Linux host suspected of being compromised. The file /etc/passwd shows unusual entries. Which host-based analysis tool is best for verifying if the accounts are actively being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between tools that show current state (like `ps` or `lsof`) versus tools that show historical activity (like `last`), trapping candidates who confuse 'active processes' with 'active user accounts'.
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
✓
last command output
The `last` command reads the /var/log/wtmp file to display a list of all users who have logged in and out, including their login times and durations. Since the question asks whether suspicious accounts from /etc/passwd are actively being used, `last` directly shows recent login activity, making it the best tool for verification.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
lsof tool
Why it's wrong here
lsof lists open files, not login history.
- ✗
ps aux command
Why it's wrong here
ps shows running processes, not account activity.
- ✓
last command output
Why this is correct
last reads /var/log/wtmp and shows login sessions, indicating active use.
- ✗
auditd logs
Why it's wrong here
auditd logs system calls but not specifically login events for all accounts.
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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.