The correct answer is Registry Run Key because the JSON report explicitly shows a modification under `HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`, which is the standard registry location for automatically launching executables at user logon. This persistence mechanism works by adding a value entry—here, `"MaliciousService"` with data `"C:\\Users\\malware\\app.exe"`—so the operating system executes the payload each time the user signs in. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this type of question tests your ability to parse host-based analysis outputs, such as JSON logs from tools like Sysmon or Windows Event Logs, and map them to known persistence techniques. A common trap is focusing on the value name (e.g., `"MaliciousService"`) instead of the registry path and the executable path, which are the true indicators. Remember the mnemonic: “Run keys run at login—check the path, not the name.”
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
{
"File": "C:\\Users\\jdoe\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\update.exe",
"Process": "C:\\Windows\\System32\\msiexec.exe",
"RegistryKey": "HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Run\\WindowsUpdate",
"RegistryValue": "C:\\Users\\jdoe\\AppData\\Local\\Temp\\update.exe"
}
```
Refer to the exhibit. A host-based analysis tool outputs a JSON report. Which persistence mechanism is being used?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Registry Run Key
The JSON report shows a registry key modification under `HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`, which is a standard Registry Run Key. This key automatically launches the specified executable (`C:\Users\malware\app.exe`) at user logon, making it a persistence mechanism. The `"Value":"C:\\Users\\malware\\app.exe"` confirms the payload path, and the key name `"MaliciousService"` is irrelevant to the actual mechanism.
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.
✗
Windows Service
Why it's wrong here
No service entry; it's a Run key.
✗
Startup Folder
Why it's wrong here
Run key is separate from startup folder.
✓
Registry Run Key
Why this is correct
The HKLM...Run key is a common startup persistence location.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Scheduled Task
Why it's wrong here
No task information in the exhibit.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between registry-based persistence (Run keys) and service-based persistence, where candidates mistakenly associate the word 'Service' in a key name with a Windows Service, but the actual mechanism is determined by the registry path, not the value name.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Registry Run Key is a common persistence point that executes programs at every user logon, often abused by malware to survive reboots. Under the hood, the `Run` key is read by `userinit.exe` and `explorer.exe` during logon; any executable path stored there runs with the user's privileges. A subtle behavior is that the `RunOnce` key (also in the same hive) executes only once and then deletes itself, which attackers sometimes use for one-time payloads, but the JSON shows a persistent `Run` key.
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: Registry Run Key — The JSON report shows a registry key modification under `HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run`, which is a standard Registry Run Key. This key automatically launches the specified executable (`C:\Users\malware\app.exe`) at user logon, making it a persistence mechanism. The `"Value":"C:\\Users\\malware\\app.exe"` confirms the payload path, and the key name `"MaliciousService"` is irrelevant to the actual mechanism.
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.
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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