Quick Answer
The answer is data exfiltration via SSH. This is correct because SSH on TCP port 22 is designed for secure remote administration, not for moving large volumes of data to an external IP, especially during non-business hours. Attackers exploit SSH’s encryption to hide the payload, making data exfiltration over SSH port 22 difficult for network monitoring tools to detect, as the traffic appears as legitimate encrypted sessions. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between normal administrative use and malicious activity by analyzing behavioral indicators like volume, timing, and destination. A common trap is assuming all SSH traffic is safe due to its encryption; the key is to focus on the context—large transfers to an external host at odd hours are a red flag. Memory tip: think “SSH for shell, not for sell”—if it’s shipping data out, it’s exfiltration.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An analyst notices that a host is sending large amounts of data to an external IP address on TCP port 22 during non-business hours. What is the most likely activity?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Remote administration
Why wrong: Remote administration is legitimate but the timing and volume suggest exfiltration.
DNS query
Why wrong: DNS uses port 53.
FTP file transfer
Why wrong: FTP uses port 21, not 22.
Data exfiltration via SSH
SSH on port 22 can be used to tunnel data out.
Answer choices
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 SSH
SSH (TCP port 22) is commonly used for secure remote administration, but the scenario describes large data transfers to an external IP during non-business hours, which is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use SSH tunneling to bypass security controls and exfiltrate data because SSH encrypts the traffic, making it difficult for network monitoring tools to inspect the payload. The combination of high volume, external destination, and off-hours activity strongly suggests malicious data theft rather than legitimate administrative tasks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Remote administration
Why it's wrong here
Remote administration is legitimate but the timing and volume suggest exfiltration.
DNS query
Why it's wrong here
DNS uses port 53.
FTP file transfer
Why it's wrong here
FTP uses port 21, not 22.
Data exfiltration via SSH
Why this is correct
SSH on port 22 can be used to tunnel data out.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the misconception that SSH is only used for remote administration, causing candidates to overlook the data exfiltration angle when large data transfers occur on port 22 during suspicious hours.
Detailed technical explanation
SSH tunneling allows an attacker to encapsulate any TCP traffic within an encrypted SSH session, effectively bypassing firewalls and DLP systems. Tools like `scp` or `rsync` over SSH can transfer large files, and adversaries often schedule such transfers during off-peak hours to evade detection. In a real-world scenario, a compromised host might use a reverse SSH tunnel to connect outbound to a command-and-control server, making the traffic appear as legitimate SSH while exfiltrating sensitive data.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Data exfiltration via SSH — SSH (TCP port 22) is commonly used for secure remote administration, but the scenario describes large data transfers to an external IP during non-business hours, which is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use SSH tunneling to bypass security controls and exfiltrate data because SSH encrypts the traffic, making it difficult for network monitoring tools to inspect the payload. The combination of high volume, external destination, and off-hours activity strongly suggests malicious data theft rather than legitimate administrative tasks.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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