- A
The host is streaming video content.
Why wrong: Streaming video typically uses HTTP/HTTPS or RTSP, not SMB.
- B
The host is engaging in normal internal file sharing with external partners.
Why wrong: Internal file sharing typically involves known servers, not many random external IPs.
- C
The host is infected with malware that propagates via SMB (e.g., EternalBlue).
Worms that spread via SMB often contact many external IPs to find vulnerable targets.
- D
The host is exfiltrating small amounts of data to multiple external destinations via SMB.
Attackers may use SMB to exfiltrate data in small chunks to avoid detection.
- E
The host is scanning the internet for SMB vulnerabilities.
Port scanning often targets many IPs on a single port to find vulnerable services.
Question 475 of 1,000
200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security monitoring. 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.
During a security monitoring exercise, an analyst observes a series of NetFlow records showing a single internal host communicating with multiple external IP addresses on port 445 (SMB) within a short time window. The traffic volumes are small but consistent. Which THREE of the following should the analyst consider as possible explanations? (Choose three.)
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
✓
The host is infected with malware that propagates via SMB (e.g., EternalBlue).
Option C is correct because SMB port 445 is a common vector for worm-like malware such as EternalBlue (MS17-010), which spreads by sending crafted SMB packets to random external IPs. The small, consistent traffic volumes and multiple external destinations match the behavior of a host scanning or propagating to new targets rather than normal file transfers.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The host is streaming video content.
Why it's wrong here
Streaming video typically uses HTTP/HTTPS or RTSP, not SMB.
- ✗
The host is engaging in normal internal file sharing with external partners.
Why it's wrong here
Internal file sharing typically involves known servers, not many random external IPs.
- ✓
The host is infected with malware that propagates via SMB (e.g., EternalBlue).
Why this is correct
Worms that spread via SMB often contact many external IPs to find vulnerable targets.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The host is exfiltrating small amounts of data to multiple external destinations via SMB.
Why this is correct
Attackers may use SMB to exfiltrate data in small chunks to avoid detection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The host is scanning the internet for SMB vulnerabilities.
Why this is correct
Port scanning often targets many IPs on a single port to find vulnerable services.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between normal SMB file sharing (which involves larger, sustained transfers to known hosts) and the pattern of small, consistent flows to many random IPs, which indicates scanning or propagation activity.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB (Server Message Block) over port 445 is used for file and printer sharing in Windows networks. The EternalBlue exploit leverages a buffer overflow in the SMBv1 protocol to execute arbitrary code, allowing malware to spread rapidly. In a real-world scenario, the WannaCry ransomware used this technique, generating thousands of outbound SMB connection attempts to random IPs, which would appear in NetFlow as small, consistent flows to many destinations.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The host is infected with malware that propagates via SMB (e.g., EternalBlue). — Option C is correct because SMB port 445 is a common vector for worm-like malware such as EternalBlue (MS17-010), which spreads by sending crafted SMB packets to random external IPs. The small, consistent traffic volumes and multiple external destinations match the behavior of a host scanning or propagating to new targets rather than normal file transfers.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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