Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →- A
SSH
Why wrong: SSH uses port 22.
- B
RDP
Why wrong: RDP uses port 3389.
- C
SMB
SMB uses port 445.
- D
HTTP
Why wrong: HTTP uses port 80.
Question 232 of 507
Quick Answer
The answer is SMB, the Server Message Block protocol, because port 445 is the default TCP port used by Microsoft’s implementation of SMB for direct file and printer sharing over a network without needing NetBIOS. When an internal host communicates with a known malicious IP on this port, it strongly suggests SMB-based activity, such as exploitation of the EternalBlue vulnerability (MS17-010) or unauthorized file access attempts. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to map common ports to their associated protocols during threat analysis, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify suspicious traffic patterns. A common trap is confusing port 445 with port 139, which is used for SMB over NetBIOS, or assuming it is only for legitimate file sharing—attackers frequently target this port for ransomware and lateral movement. Remember the mnemonic: “445 for SMB over TCP, no NetBIOS needed.”
200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. 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 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?
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 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.
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.
- ✗
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.
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.
- ✗
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 HTTP (80) or RDP (3389) due to common attack narratives, but the specific port 445 uniquely identifies SMB.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB operates over NetBIOS (port 139) or directly over TCP (port 445), with the latter being more common in modern Windows networks. The protocol uses dialects like SMB1, SMB2, and SMB3, each with distinct security implications; for example, SMB1 is notoriously vulnerable to ransomware propagation (e.g., WannaCry). In real-world investigations, port 445 traffic to an external IP often indicates data exfiltration or lateral movement attempts.
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?
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — 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 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.
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: Jun 11, 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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