easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is monitoring network traffic and sees…
An analyst is monitoring network traffic and sees a sudden spike in outbound data transfer from an internal server to an external IP that is known to be malicious. What is the most likely scenario?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between outbound and inbound traffic direction; candidates may confuse a user downloading a file (inbound) with a server sending data out (outbound), leading them to incorrectly choose option C.
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
✓
Data exfiltration.
A sudden spike in outbound data transfer from an internal server to a known malicious external IP is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use compromised servers to siphon sensitive data (e.g., credentials, databases) to a command-and-control (C2) server. This behavior aligns with the post-compromise phase of an attack, where the goal is to extract data without triggering immediate alarms.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Software update.
Why it's wrong here
Updates typically come from official vendors, not malicious IPs.
- ✓
Data exfiltration.
Why this is correct
Data exfiltration involves sending sensitive data to an attacker-controlled IP.
- ✗
User downloading a large file.
Why it's wrong here
Downloads are inbound, not outbound data transfer.
- ✗
Normal backup operation.
Why it's wrong here
Backups usually go to internal or trusted cloud services, not known malicious IPs.
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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.