- A
HTTPS
Why wrong: HTTPS uses port 443.
- B
SMB
SMB uses port 445.
- C
DNS
Why wrong: DNS uses port 53.
- D
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP uses port 80.
Question 80 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 review, an analyst notices an unusual amount of traffic on port 445. Which protocol is most likely associated with this port?
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.
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
✓
SMB
Port 445 is the default port for Microsoft's implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, used for file and printer sharing over a network. An unusual amount of traffic on this port often indicates SMB-related activity, such as legitimate file transfers or potential exploitation attempts like the EternalBlue vulnerability (MS17-010).
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.
- ✗
HTTPS
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS uses port 443.
- ✓
SMB
Why this is correct
SMB uses port 445.
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.
- ✗
DNS
Why it's wrong here
DNS uses port 53.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP uses port 80.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the association of well-known ports with their protocols, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse port 445 with HTTPS (443) or HTTP (80) due to similar numbering, or assume DNS uses a non-standard port.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB operates over NetBIOS (ports 137-139) or directly over TCP port 445 (SMB over TCP, also known as SMB Direct). In real-world scenarios, a sudden spike in port 445 traffic could indicate a worm spreading via SMB vulnerabilities, such as WannaCry, which exploited MS17-010 to propagate across networks. Understanding the distinction between SMB over NetBIOS and SMB over TCP is critical for accurate traffic analysis.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: SMB — Port 445 is the default port for Microsoft's implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, used for file and printer sharing over a network. An unusual amount of traffic on this port often indicates SMB-related activity, such as legitimate file transfers or potential exploitation attempts like the EternalBlue vulnerability (MS17-010).
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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