hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is reviewing Sysmon logs on a Windows…
An analyst is reviewing Sysmon logs on a Windows host and sees Event ID 1 (process creation) with a signed parent process but an unsigned child. The child has a CommandLine that includes 'powershell -EncodedCommand'. What is the most likely threat?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between execution indicators (like encoded PowerShell commands) and other attack stages (like privilege escalation or process hollowing), leading candidates to confuse a common obfuscation technique with a different attack type.
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
✓
PowerShell-based malware using encoded commands to evade detection
Event ID 1 with a signed parent process and an unsigned child using 'powershell -EncodedCommand' strongly indicates PowerShell-based malware. Attackers use Base64-encoded commands to obfuscate malicious actions and bypass simple string-based detection, as the encoded payload is decoded and executed by PowerShell at runtime.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PowerShell-based malware using encoded commands to evade detection
Why this is correct
Encoded commands are a common obfuscation technique in PowerShell attacks.
- ✗
Privilege escalation attempt
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation does not typically use encoded PowerShell commands.
- ✗
Process hollowing attack
Why it's wrong here
Process hollowing involves replacing legitimate process memory, not necessarily encoding.
- ✗
Phishing email attachment
Why it's wrong here
Phishing typically starts with an email, not necessarily encoded PowerShell.
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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.