- A
Installation
Why wrong: Installation deploys malware.
- B
Actions on Objectives
Exfiltration is an action on objectives.
- C
Weaponization
Why wrong: Weaponization creates the payload.
- D
Exploitation
Why wrong: Exploitation triggers vulnerability.
Question 593 of 1,000
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.
In a PCAP, an analyst sees a large outbound data transfer over FTP to an external IP address during non-business hours. The source host is a database server. Which phase of the Cyber Kill Chain does this represent?
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
✓
Actions on Objectives
The Cyber Kill Chain's 'Actions on Objectives' phase is where the attacker achieves their ultimate goal, such as exfiltrating data. In this scenario, a large outbound FTP transfer from a database server to an external IP during non-business hours directly indicates data theft, which is the final objective of the intrusion. FTP (port 21/20) is used here as the exfiltration protocol, moving sensitive data out of the network.
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.
- ✗
Installation
Why it's wrong here
Installation deploys malware.
- ✓
Actions on Objectives
Why this is correct
Exfiltration is an action on objectives.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Weaponization
Why it's wrong here
Weaponization creates the payload.
- ✗
Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation triggers vulnerability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between 'Actions on Objectives' and 'Exploitation' by presenting a post-compromise activity (like data exfiltration) and expecting candidates to recognize it as the final phase, not the initial breach.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
FTP transmits data in cleartext, including credentials and file contents, making it a common choice for attackers to exfiltrate data without encryption overhead. In a real-world scenario, an analyst might correlate this FTP transfer with a previous SQL injection (exploitation) and a reverse shell (installation) to map the full kill chain. The large volume and timing (non-business hours) are key indicators of malicious exfiltration rather than legitimate backup activity.
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.
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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: Actions on Objectives — The Cyber Kill Chain's 'Actions on Objectives' phase is where the attacker achieves their ultimate goal, such as exfiltrating data. In this scenario, a large outbound FTP transfer from a database server to an external IP during non-business hours directly indicates data theft, which is the final objective of the intrusion. FTP (port 21/20) is used here as the exfiltration protocol, moving sensitive data out of the network.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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