200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
An analyst reviews PCAP traffic and sees a series of HTTP POST requests from an internal host to an external IP at exactly 60-second intervals. The payload size is consistent. Which phase of the Cyber Kill Chain does this activity most likely represent?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between beaconing (C2) and data exfiltration (Actions on Objectives), where candidates mistakenly associate any external HTTP POST with data theft rather than recognizing the periodic pattern as command-and-control signaling.
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
✓
Command and Control
The consistent 60-second intervals and uniform payload size of HTTP POST requests from an internal host to an external IP are classic indicators of beaconing activity. In the Cyber Kill Chain, this behavior aligns with the Command and Control (C2) phase, where an established foothold communicates with an external C2 server to receive instructions or exfiltrate data. The use of HTTP POST mimics normal web traffic to evade detection, a common technique in C2 channels.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Delivery
Why it's wrong here
Delivery involves transferring the payload, not regular callbacks.
- ✓
Command and Control
Why this is correct
Beaconing is a hallmark of C2.
- ✗
Actions on Objectives
Why it's wrong here
Actions on objectives is the final phase, like exfiltration.
- ✗
Installation
Why it's wrong here
Installation is after exploitation; beaconing is later.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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