200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
An analyst is using Zeek to monitor network traffic. Which THREE types of logs can Zeek generate to provide visibility into application-layer activity?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between network-layer logs (conn.log) and application-layer logs (http.log, dns.log, smtp.log), and candidates may incorrectly assume conn.log covers application-layer activity because it includes port numbers.
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
✓
smtp.log
Zeek generates application-layer logs by parsing protocol-specific traffic. SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) is an application-layer protocol, and Zeek's smtp.log captures email transactions, including sender, recipient, and message IDs, providing visibility into email-based activity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
conn.log
Why it's wrong here
conn.log is for connection summaries, not application layer.
- ✓
smtp.log
Why this is correct
SMTP logs capture email traffic.
- ✗
weird.log
Why it's wrong here
weird.log captures unusual activity, not a specific application protocol.
- ✓
dns.log
Why this is correct
DNS logs capture domain name queries and responses.
- ✓
http.log
Why this is correct
HTTP logs capture web traffic details.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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