hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: Uses Cisco Stealthwatch for network traffic…
An organization uses Cisco Stealthwatch for network traffic analysis. The analyst observes a sudden increase in traffic from a workstation to multiple external IPs on port 443. The traffic pattern shows consistent packet sizes of 1500 bytes, and the destination IPs are spread across different geographic regions. Which type of activity is most likely indicated?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that any traffic to multiple external IPs on port 443 is normal web browsing, but the trap here is the consistent 1500-byte packet size, which is a key indicator of data exfiltration rather than typical HTTPS activity.
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
✓
Data exfiltration via HTTPS.
The consistent 1500-byte packet size indicates maximum-sized TCP segments, which is atypical for interactive web browsing but common when data is being padded to fill MTU for efficient exfiltration. Cisco Stealthwatch detects this anomalous volumetric pattern to external IPs on HTTPS (port 443) as a sign of data exfiltration, where an internal host sends large, uniform chunks of data to multiple external destinations to evade detection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
VoIP call initiation.
Why it's wrong here
VoIP uses UDP and smaller packets.
- ✗
Normal web browsing activity.
Why it's wrong here
Web browsing packet sizes vary.
- ✗
A DDoS attack originating from the workstation.
Why it's wrong here
DDoS typically from many sources.
- ✓
Data exfiltration via HTTPS.
Why this is correct
Consistent large packets and many destinations suggest exfiltration.
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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.