200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
An attacker intercepts communication between two parties and modifies the data before forwarding it. Which type of attack is this?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between the attack type (MITM) and the technique used to achieve it (ARP spoofing), causing candidates to confuse the method with the overarching attack category.
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
✓
Man-in-the-middle
A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack occurs when an attacker intercepts and alters communications between two parties without their knowledge. The attacker positions themselves between the sender and receiver, capturing, modifying, and then forwarding the data, which directly matches the scenario described.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Man-in-the-middle
Why this is correct
MitM attacks intercept and can modify communications.
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DNS poisoning
Why it's wrong here
DNS poisoning corrupts DNS resolution.
- ✗
Replay attack
Why it's wrong here
A replay attack involves capturing and retransmitting data.
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ARP spoofing
Why it's wrong here
ARP spoofing is a technique used in MitM attacks, but the description is broader.
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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.