200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
In the Cyber Kill Chain, which TWO phases occur after the attacker establishes command and control (C2)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the order of the Cyber Kill Chain phases, and the trap here is confusing 'installation' (which occurs before C2) with 'lateral movement' (which occurs after C2), leading candidates to incorrectly select installation as a post-C2 phase.
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
✓
Lateral movement
After establishing command and control (C2), the attacker typically performs lateral movement to pivot within the network and then executes actions on objectives, such as data exfiltration or system disruption. In the Cyber Kill Chain, the phases following C2 are lateral movement and actions on objectives, as the attacker uses the C2 channel to explore the environment and achieve their end goal.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation occurs before C2.
- ✓
Lateral movement
Why this is correct
Lateral movement can occur after C2 to reach more systems.
- ✗
Weaponisation
Why it's wrong here
Weaponisation occurs early in the chain.
- ✗
Installation
Why it's wrong here
Installation occurs before C2.
- ✓
Actions on objectives
Why this is correct
This is the final phase where the attacker achieves their goal.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.