Question 767 of 979
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Identify Malicious Processes on Windows: Tasklist, Process Explorer & Netstat
A security analyst notices that a workstation is generating multiple DNS queries to a known malicious domain. Which host-based analysis technique would be most effective in confirming the infection?
Quick Answer
The answer is Process Explorer, because it is the most effective host-based analysis tool for identifying malicious processes on Windows by linking a running process directly to its active network connections and DNS queries. Unlike basic tools like Tasklist, which only lists process names, Process Explorer provides deep forensic details such as parent-child process relationships, loaded DLLs, and real-time TCP/UDP endpoints, allowing an analyst to trace a suspicious DNS query back to the exact executable or script responsible. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between host-based and network-based analysis techniques; a common trap is choosing Netstat, which shows active connections but does not map them to specific processes without additional flags like -b. Remember the memory tip: “Process Explorer connects the dots—if you see a bad DNS, check the process that owns the socket.”
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between host-based analysis tools (like Process Explorer) and log-based analysis (like firewall or event logs), trapping candidates who choose a log-based option when a process-level tool is needed to confirm the infection source.
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
✓
Use Process Explorer to examine the process responsible for the DNS queries
Process Explorer is a host-based analysis tool that provides detailed information about running processes, including their network connections and DNS queries. By examining the process responsible for the DNS queries to the known malicious domain, the analyst can directly identify the infected executable or script, confirming the infection at the process level.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Review the Windows Firewall logs to see blocked connections
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs may show outbound attempts but not necessarily identify the process.
- ✗
Check the scheduled tasks for suspicious entries
Why it's wrong here
Scheduled tasks could indicate persistence but may not show current activity.
- ✓
Use Process Explorer to examine the process responsible for the DNS queries
Why this is correct
Process Explorer can show network activity per process, directly linking the DNS queries to a specific executable.
- ✗
Analyze the Windows Event Log for Event ID 5156
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 5156 is a Windows Filtering Platform connection, but may not show DNS queries specifically.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on 200-201
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. An analyst runs tasklist /SVC on a suspected host. Which process is most suspicious?
easy- A.svchost.exe with PID 1500
- B.svchost.exe with PID 1240
- ✓ C.notmalware.exe with PID 2300
- D.svchost.exe with PID 1780
Why C: 'notmalware.exe' is a deliberately suspicious process name that does not correspond to any legitimate Windows system binary. The tasklist /SVC command displays processes and their associated services; a process named 'notmalware.exe' is a clear indicator of potential malware attempting to disguise itself with an ironic name, whereas svchost.exe is a legitimate Windows host process for services.
Variation 2. A security analyst is investigating a suspected malware infection on a Windows host. The analyst wants to identify processes that have network connections. Which built-in Windows tool should the analyst use?
easy- ✓ A.netstat
- B.ipconfig
- C.tasklist
- D.nslookup
Why A: Netstat (network statistics) is the correct built-in Windows tool for displaying active TCP and UDP connections, listening ports, and the associated process IDs (PIDs). By using netstat with the `-b` or `-o` flag, the analyst can map each network connection to its owning process, which is essential for identifying suspicious processes communicating over the network.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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