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200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is examining the Windows Registry on a…
An analyst is examining the Windows Registry on a host suspected of persistence via a malicious service. Which two registry keys are most relevant to investigate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between service persistence (Services key) and other autorun mechanisms (Run, RunOnce, AppInit_DLLs), so candidates may confuse the Services key with the Run key or other startup locations.
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_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
The Services key under CurrentControlSet lists all registered Windows services, including their executable paths and startup types. Malicious services often register here to achieve persistence by starting automatically with the system. Examining this key allows an analyst to identify suspicious service names, image paths, or startup configurations that indicate 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 this is correct
This key lists all system services.
- ✗
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Why it's wrong here
RunOnce runs only once and is less common for persistent services.
- ✗
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\exefile\shell\open\command
Why it's wrong here
This key defines file associations, not service persistence.
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
This key specifies programs that run at logon.
- ✗
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
Why it's wrong here
This key contains Windows NT settings, not directly service persistence.
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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.