200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
During an incident response, an analyst checks for persistence mechanisms and finds an entry under HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. What is the most likely purpose of this registry key?
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
✓
It specifies programs to run automatically at user logon.
The Run key in HKCU or HKLM causes programs to execute automatically when a user logs in. It is commonly used for legitimate software but also for malware persistence.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It lists recently accessed documents.
Why it's wrong here
Recently accessed documents are stored in MRU lists, not the Run key.
- ✓
It specifies programs to run automatically at user logon.
Why this is correct
The Run key is used for auto-starting applications at logon.
- ✗
It stores user interface settings for the current user.
Why it's wrong here
That is not the purpose of the Run key.
- ✗
It controls Windows Defender exclusions.
Why it's wrong here
Windows Defender exclusions are stored elsewhere.
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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.