200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
An analyst notices a Zeek (Bro) connection log showing a single HTTP request from internal IP 192.168.1.10 to external IP 203.0.113.5 with a URI of '/files/secret.docx' and a response code of 200. The file size is unusually large (50 MB). What should the analyst suspect?
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 large file download over HTTP from an internal host to an external IP, especially with a filename like 'secret.docx', suggests data exfiltration. The single request and response code 200 indicate successful transfer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Phishing attempt
Why it's wrong here
Phishing typically involves email or malicious links, not direct HTTP uploads.
- ✗
Malware download
Why it's wrong here
While possible, the filename 'secret.docx' suggests an internal document being uploaded, not a download.
- ✗
Normal business activity
Why it's wrong here
The large size and sensitive filename suggest this is not normal.
- ✓
Data exfiltration
Why this is correct
An internal host sending a large file over HTTP to an external IP is a classic indicator of data theft.
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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.