200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An incident responder is analyzing a Windows machine for evidence of malware persistence. Which TWO registry keys are commonly abused to achieve automatic execution at user logon?
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
✓
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\...\Run and HKCU\...\Run are common persistence locations. RunOnce keys also exist but are for one-time execution. AppInit_DLLs is for DLL injection, and Image File Execution Options are for debugging.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
This key runs programs at logon for all users.
- ✗
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\AppInit_DLLs
Why it's wrong here
AppInit_DLLs loads DLLs into every process, not a simple run key.
- ✗
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Why it's wrong here
RunOnce runs programs once and then deletes the entry; less common for persistent malware.
- ✓
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
This key runs programs at logon for the current user.
- ✗
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options
Why it's wrong here
This is used for debugging or process substitution, not direct autorun.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This 200-201 question is part of Courseiva's 979-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.