200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
An analyst suspects data exfiltration via DNS. Which log type would provide the most relevant information to confirm this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between logs that record metadata (firewall logs) versus logs that record application-layer payloads (DNS logs), leading candidates to mistakenly choose firewall logs because they think 'all traffic passes through the firewall'.
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
✓
DNS logs
DNS logs capture all DNS queries and responses, including the domain names being resolved. Data exfiltration via DNS often involves encoding stolen data into DNS queries (e.g., subdomains of a controlled domain). By examining DNS logs for unusual query patterns, high query volumes, or long, random-looking subdomains, an analyst can directly confirm exfiltration 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.
- ✗
Web server logs
Why it's wrong here
Web server logs show HTTP activity, not DNS.
- ✗
Firewall logs
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs show allowed/denied traffic but not DNS query details.
- ✓
DNS logs
Why this is correct
DNS logs show query types, domains, and responses, ideal for detecting exfiltration.
- ✗
IDS/IPS alerts
Why it's wrong here
IDS/IPS may detect but not provide full query details.
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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.