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Data Exfiltration Indicators
Which TWO of the following are indicators of a potential data exfiltration attempt?
Quick Answer
The answer is an internal host sending large DNS TXT queries to an external server. This is a strong indicator of data exfiltration because DNS TXT records can carry arbitrary text data, allowing an attacker to encode stolen information into seemingly normal DNS traffic that bypasses traditional security controls. The large volume of queries, especially during off-hours like 3 AM, deviates from standard business patterns and signals a covert data transfer. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your ability to recognize anomalous network behavior tied to the exfiltration phase of the Cyber Kill Chain. A common trap is dismissing DNS traffic as benign, but remember that attackers often abuse trusted protocols to hide data. For a quick memory tip, think “DNS Dump” — large, off-hours DNS queries are a dump of data in disguise.
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between normal network activity (e.g., file server access during business hours) and anomalous patterns (e.g., off-hours bulk transfers or DNS tunneling), so candidates must focus on the context of time, volume, and protocol misuse rather than just the action itself.
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
✓
An internal host transferring large amounts of data to an unknown external IP at 3 AM.
Data exfiltration often involves transferring large volumes of data to an unknown external IP during off-hours (e.g., 3 AM) to evade detection. This behavior deviates from normal business patterns and is a classic indicator of a data breach or insider threat.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
An internal host transferring large amounts of data to an unknown external IP at 3 AM.
Why this is correct
Unusual time and volume strongly suggest exfiltration.
- ✗
A user accessing an internal file server during business hours.
Why it's wrong here
This is normal activity.
- ✓
An internal host sending large DNS TXT queries to an external server.
Why this is correct
Large DNS queries can be used to tunnel data out.
- ✗
A failed login attempt from an internal workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Failed login is a different type of event.
- ✗
A spike in ICMP echo requests from an external IP.
Why it's wrong here
ICMP spikes may indicate a ping sweep, not exfiltration.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on 200-201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An analyst is monitoring network traffic and sees a sudden spike in outbound data transfer from an internal server to an external IP that is known to be malicious. What is the most likely scenario?
easy- A.Software update.
- ✓ B.Data exfiltration.
- C.User downloading a large file.
- D.Normal backup operation.
Why B: A sudden spike in outbound data transfer from an internal server to a known malicious external IP is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use compromised servers to siphon sensitive data (e.g., credentials, databases) to a command-and-control (C2) server. This behavior aligns with the post-compromise phase of an attack, where the goal is to extract data without triggering immediate alarms.
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.