- A
/etc/passwd
Why wrong: /etc/passwd lists user accounts but not persistence directly.
- B
/proc/self/status
Why wrong: /proc is a virtual filesystem for running processes, not persistence.
- C
/etc/systemd/system/
Correct. Systemd services can be used for persistence.
- D
/etc/crontab
Correct. Cron jobs can run malicious scripts at scheduled times.
- E
/home/user/.bash_history
Why wrong: Bash history records commands, not persistence mechanisms.
Question 40 of 1,000
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based analysis. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An analyst is examining a Linux system for signs of an attacker establishing persistence. Which TWO of the following locations should the analyst check? (Choose two.)
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
✓
/etc/systemd/system/
Common persistence mechanisms on Linux include cron jobs and systemd services. Bash history only records commands, not persistence. /proc is a virtual filesystem. /etc/passwd lists users but doesn't directly show persistence.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
/etc/passwd lists user accounts but not persistence directly.
- ✗
/proc/self/status
Why it's wrong here
/proc is a virtual filesystem for running processes, not persistence.
- ✓
/etc/systemd/system/
Why this is correct
Correct. Systemd services can be used for persistence.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
/etc/crontab
Why this is correct
Correct. Cron jobs can run malicious scripts at scheduled times.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
/home/user/.bash_history
Why it's wrong here
Bash history records commands, not persistence mechanisms.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Bash history records commands, not persistence mechanisms.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: /etc/systemd/system/ — Common persistence mechanisms on Linux include cron jobs and systemd services. Bash history only records commands, not persistence. /proc is a virtual filesystem. /etc/passwd lists users but doesn't directly show persistence.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which 200-201 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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