The answer is to parse PowerShell operational logs (Event ID 4104) first, because this is the most direct and efficient step for identifying PowerShell commands used in an attack from forensic artifacts. Script Block Logging captures the full text of every PowerShell script and command executed, including download commands like Invoke-WebRequest, making it the definitive source for confirming living-off-the-land binary usage. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to prioritize log sources over memory or disk analysis when the goal is to extract executed commands quickly. A common trap is to start with memory dump analysis for process artifacts, but that only shows that PowerShell ran, not what it ran. Remember the memory tip: “4104 shows you the door—the actual commands on the floor.”
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based 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.
A security analyst is responding to an incident on a critical Windows server that hosts a database application. The server is running Windows Server 2019 with all current patches. The analyst suspects that a remote attacker gained access and is using living-off-the-land binaries to move laterally. The analyst has captured a memory dump and a full disk image. The analyst needs to determine if the attacker used PowerShell to download additional tools. Which analysis step should the analyst perform first to identify PowerShell usage?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Parse PowerShell operational logs (Event ID 4104) to extract executed scripts and commands.
PowerShell operational logs, specifically Event ID 4104 (Script Block Logging), capture the full text of PowerShell scripts and commands executed on the system. Since the analyst suspects the attacker used PowerShell to download additional tools, parsing these logs is the most direct and efficient first step to confirm that activity. This log source provides the actual commands run, including any download commands like Invoke-WebRequest or Start-BitsTransfer, without relying on indirect artifacts.
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.
✗
Examine the Windows Registry for Run keys to identify persistence mechanisms.
Why it's wrong here
Registry analysis may show persistence but does not reveal PowerShell command history.
✓
Parse PowerShell operational logs (Event ID 4104) to extract executed scripts and commands.
Why this is correct
PowerShell ScriptBlock logging captures the full script content, directly showing attacker commands.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Review prefetch files (.pf) to determine when PowerShell was last executed.
Why it's wrong here
Prefetch shows execution times, not the commands executed.
✗
Analyze network connection logs to identify outbound connections to known malicious IPs.
Why it's wrong here
Network logs show connections but not the PowerShell commands; they are indirect evidence.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between artifacts that show execution (prefetch, registry) versus artifacts that capture the actual command or script content (PowerShell operational logs), leading candidates to choose a less direct indicator like prefetch files.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Registry analysis may show persistence but does not reveal PowerShell command history.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PowerShell Script Block Logging (Event ID 4104) is enabled by default in Windows Server 2019 via Group Policy or registry (e.g., EnableScriptBlockLogging). It logs the script text as it is executed, including deobfuscated content if the attacker used techniques like Base64 encoding or compression. In a real-world scenario, even if the attacker attempted to disable logging, the logs may still capture the initial execution before tampering, making them a critical forensic artifact.
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 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
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.
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Parse PowerShell operational logs (Event ID 4104) to extract executed scripts and commands. — PowerShell operational logs, specifically Event ID 4104 (Script Block Logging), capture the full text of PowerShell scripts and commands executed on the system. Since the analyst suspects the attacker used PowerShell to download additional tools, parsing these logs is the most direct and efficient first step to confirm that activity. This log source provides the actual commands run, including any download commands like Invoke-WebRequest or Start-BitsTransfer, without relying on indirect artifacts.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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