Quick Answer
The answer is /etc/init.d and /var/spool/cron/crontabs. These two locations are correct because they represent standard Linux mechanisms for achieving malware persistence: init scripts in /etc/init.d run at system boot, while the crontabs directory stores scheduled cron jobs for each user, allowing malware to re-execute itself after a reboot or at set intervals. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to identify where an attacker would hide recurring execution logic, often appearing in scenarios where you must distinguish between boot-level and user-scheduled persistence. A common trap is focusing only on /etc/cron* files while overlooking the actual user-specific job files under /var/spool/cron/. Remember the memory tip: “Boot scripts in init.d, user jobs in spool cron” — if it runs at startup, check init.d; if it runs on a schedule, check the spool.
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.
Which TWO locations in a Linux filesystem should be checked for evidence of malware persistence?
/proc
Why wrong: /proc is a virtual filesystem for process info, not persistence.
/var/spool/cron/crontabs
Cron jobs can run malware periodically.
/var/log/syslog
Why wrong: Logs show activity but not persistence.
/etc/init.d
Init scripts are run at startup.
/etc/passwd
Why wrong: Passwd contains user accounts, not persistence per se.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/var/spool/cron/crontabs
Option B is correct because cron is a standard Linux mechanism for scheduling recurring tasks, and malware often uses cron jobs to re-execute itself after a reboot or at specific intervals. The crontabs directory under /var/spool/cron/ contains the actual cron job files for each user, making it a primary location to check for unauthorized persistence entries. Malware can add a cron entry that downloads or runs a malicious script, ensuring its continued presence on the system.
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.
/proc
Why it's wrong here
/proc is a virtual filesystem for process info, not persistence.
/var/spool/cron/crontabs
Why this is correct
Cron jobs can run malware periodically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/var/log/syslog
Why it's wrong here
Logs show activity but not persistence.
/etc/init.d
Why this is correct
Init scripts are run at startup.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
Passwd contains user accounts, not persistence per se.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between locations that store persistent configuration (like crontabs and init.d) versus runtime or log-only directories (like /proc and /var/log), so candidates mistakenly choose /proc or /var/log/syslog because they are commonly examined during live analysis, but they do not hold persistence artifacts.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Logs show activity but not persistence.
Detailed technical explanation
Cron jobs are defined in user-specific crontab files (e.g., /var/spool/cron/crontabs/root) and the system-wide /etc/crontab, and they run with the privileges of the owning user. Malware can also use /etc/init.d (or /etc/rc.d) to install a SysV init script that runs at boot, which is why Option D is correct; modern systems may also use systemd unit files in /etc/systemd/system, but the exam focuses on traditional locations. In a real-world incident, an analyst would run 'crontab -l' for each user and inspect /etc/init.d for unexpected scripts with execute permissions.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /var/spool/cron/crontabs — Option B is correct because cron is a standard Linux mechanism for scheduling recurring tasks, and malware often uses cron jobs to re-execute itself after a reboot or at specific intervals. The crontabs directory under /var/spool/cron/ contains the actual cron job files for each user, making it a primary location to check for unauthorized persistence entries. Malware can add a cron entry that downloads or runs a malicious script, ensuring its continued presence on the system.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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