200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
During a forensic analysis, an analyst uses NetworkMiner to extract files from a PCAP. One of the extracted files contains a PE executable with a known signature of a malware variant. Which phase of the Cyber Kill Chain does the file transfer most likely represent?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Delivery and Exploitation, where candidates mistakenly choose Exploitation because they see a malware file, but the PCAP only shows the transfer, not the execution or vulnerability trigger.
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
✓
Delivery
The file transfer from the PCAP represents the Delivery phase because NetworkMiner extracted a PE executable that was transmitted over the network, likely via HTTP, SMTP, or SMB. In the Cyber Kill Chain, Delivery is the phase where the weaponized payload is transmitted to the target system, which is exactly what a file transfer in a PCAP captures. The presence of a known malware signature confirms the payload was delivered, not yet executed or exploited.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Reconnaissance
Why it's wrong here
Reconnaissance gathers information.
- ✗
Weaponization
Why it's wrong here
Weaponization creates the payload, not transfer.
- ✗
Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation triggers the vulnerability.
- ✓
Delivery
Why this is correct
Delivery transfers the weaponized payload.
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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.