200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst is investigating a Windows host for signs of malware persistence. Which registry key would the analyst check for programs that run automatically when any user logs in?
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\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
The Run registry key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE specifies programs that run for all users at logon, while HKEY_CURRENT_USER is per-user. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run is the most common location for malware 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_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\UserAssist
Why it's wrong here
UserAssist tracks recently executed programs, not persistence.
- ✗
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Why it's wrong here
RunOnce runs only once, not at every logon, and is per-user.
- ✗
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services
Why it's wrong here
Services key, not Run, for service-based persistence.
- ✓
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
Correct. This key runs programs for all users at logon.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 979 original 200-201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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.