Quick Answer
The correct answer is password spraying, as the log pattern shows a single IP attempting a few common passwords across many user accounts rather than bombarding one account with numerous attempts. This low-and-slow technique is designed to evade account lockout policies, making it distinct from a brute-force attack, which targets one account with many passwords. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between credential-based attacks by analyzing log patterns—specifically, the key clue is the spread of failed attempts across multiple usernames from one source. A common trap is confusing this with a dictionary attack, but remember: password spraying uses one or two passwords against many accounts, while a dictionary attack tries many passwords against a single account. Memory tip: think “spray and pray”—spraying the same weak password across a field of usernames until one sticks.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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.
A security analyst reviews system logs and notices multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address to different user accounts over a short period. The analyst then sees a successful login for one account. Which type of attack is most likely occurring?
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.
Brute force
Why wrong: Brute force tries many passwords on a single account, not many accounts.
Dictionary attack
Why wrong: Dictionary attack uses a list of common passwords, but typically on one account.
Credential stuffing
Why wrong: Credential stuffing uses previously compromised credentials, not guessing.
Password spraying
Password spraying tries a few passwords across many accounts to avoid lockouts.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Password spraying
Password spraying (D) is the correct answer because the attacker attempts a small number of common passwords against many user accounts, avoiding account lockout thresholds. The pattern of multiple failed logins from a single IP across different accounts, followed by a single success, matches this low-and-slow technique rather than targeting one account with many passwords.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Brute force
Why it's wrong here
Brute force tries many passwords on a single account, not many accounts.
Dictionary attack
Why it's wrong here
Dictionary attack uses a list of common passwords, but typically on one account.
Credential stuffing
Why it's wrong here
Credential stuffing uses previously compromised credentials, not guessing.
Password spraying
Why this is correct
Password spraying tries a few passwords across many accounts to avoid lockouts.
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.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between password spraying and credential stuffing by emphasizing the use of a single IP and multiple accounts versus reused breach data, leading candidates to confuse credential stuffing (which requires known pairs) with this broader password-guessing method.
Detailed technical explanation
Password spraying exploits the fact that many organizations set account lockout thresholds (e.g., 5 failed attempts) that reset after a time window. By trying one or two common passwords (e.g., 'Password123', 'Welcome1') across hundreds of accounts, the attacker stays under the lockout limit per account while increasing the chance of hitting a weak credential. This technique is often automated with tools like Hydra or custom scripts, and the single IP address is a hallmark of a non-distributed attack.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Password spraying — Password spraying (D) is the correct answer because the attacker attempts a small number of common passwords against many user accounts, avoiding account lockout thresholds. The pattern of multiple failed logins from a single IP across different accounts, followed by a single success, matches this low-and-slow technique rather than targeting one account with many passwords.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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