Quick Answer
The answer is a worm spreading internally, as this pattern of multiple internal IPs triggering the same IDS signature while targeting a single external server is a classic hallmark of worm propagation. Worms self-replicate by exploiting vulnerabilities, causing each infected host to autonomously initiate identical outbound connections—often to a command-and-control server or for payload delivery—which floods the IDS with duplicate alerts from distinct internal sources. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish worm behavior from other threats like a DDoS attack or a misconfigured firewall; a common trap is confusing the many internal sources with a coordinated attack, but the key differentiator is the identical signature across hosts. Remember the mnemonic "Same Sig, Many IPs, One Target = Worm" to quickly recall that worms generate uniform traffic as they spread, unlike the varied patterns of human-driven attacks.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An analyst reviews IDS alerts and sees multiple alerts for the same signature from different internal IPs targeting the same external server. One common cause is...
A false positive
Why wrong: False positives would be random and not consistent across multiple hosts.
A DDoS attack
Why wrong: DDoS typically targets an internal server from external sources.
A worm spreading internally
Worm infections cause multiple hosts to exhibit similar malicious behavior.
A misconfigured server
Why wrong: Misconfiguration usually affects a single host.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A worm spreading internally
A worm spreading internally (option C) is the most likely cause because worms self-replicate and propagate across a network, generating identical IDS alerts from multiple internal IPs as each infected host attempts to connect to the same external server (e.g., for command-and-control or payload delivery). This pattern—same signature, multiple internal sources, single external target—is a classic indicator of worm activity, where the worm's propagation logic causes each compromised host to initiate similar outbound connections.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
A false positive
Why it's wrong here
False positives would be random and not consistent across multiple hosts.
A DDoS attack
Why it's wrong here
DDoS typically targets an internal server from external sources.
A worm spreading internally
Why this is correct
Worm infections cause multiple hosts to exhibit similar malicious behavior.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A misconfigured server
Why it's wrong here
Misconfiguration usually affects a single host.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between a DDoS attack and a worm by focusing on the source distribution—candidates mistakenly choose DDoS because they see multiple sources, but forget that DDoS sources are typically external, not internal, and the signature consistency points to a worm's automated propagation.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, a worm like Conficker or WannaCry uses a propagation mechanism (e.g., scanning random IPs or exploiting SMB vulnerabilities) that triggers IDS signatures for outbound connection attempts to specific external IPs or domains. The IDS signature might match the worm's HTTP GET request or DNS query to a known malicious domain, and as the worm spreads laterally, each new victim generates the same alert, creating a multi-source, single-target pattern. In real-world scenarios, this can also indicate a botnet's internal spread, where the external server acts as a C2 channel, and the IDS alerts reveal the infection's scope.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: A worm spreading internally — A worm spreading internally (option C) is the most likely cause because worms self-replicate and propagate across a network, generating identical IDS alerts from multiple internal IPs as each infected host attempts to connect to the same external server (e.g., for command-and-control or payload delivery). This pattern—same signature, multiple internal sources, single external target—is a classic indicator of worm activity, where the worm's propagation logic causes each compromised host to initiate similar outbound connections.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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