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200-201 Practice Question: During an investigation, an analyst finds that an…
During an investigation, an analyst finds that an internal host has been communicating with a known malicious IP on port 445. Which protocol is most likely involved?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the association of well-known ports with their protocols, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse port 445 with HTTP (80) or RDP (3389) due to common attack narratives, but the specific port 445 uniquely identifies SMB.
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 SMB (Server Message Block) over TCP, used for file sharing, printer sharing, and other network services. Communication with a known malicious IP on this port strongly indicates SMB-based activity, such as exploitation of vulnerabilities like EternalBlue (MS17-010) or unauthorized file access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
SSH
Why it's wrong here
SSH uses port 22.
- ✗
RDP
Why it's wrong here
RDP uses port 3389.
- ✓
SMB
Why this is correct
SMB uses port 445.
- ✗
HTTP
Why it's wrong here
HTTP uses port 80.
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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.