The correct answer is that an external host is connecting to an internal host, as indicated by the ASA syslog message showing a built connection from source 203.0.113.1 (outside) to destination 192.168.1.100 (inside). This is the core concept of interpreting ASA syslog for outside to inside connection: the syslog always lists the source IP first and the destination IP second, so when the source is an external address and the destination is an internal address, it means an outside host initiated the session. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to read ASA syslog fields and understand stateful firewall behavior—specifically that a "built" message means the connection was allowed, not denied. A common trap is assuming the source is always the internal host in a typical outbound web request, but here the external IP is the source, so the traffic is inbound. Memory tip: think "Source Sends, Destination Receives"—if the source IP is public and the destination is private, the outside host is connecting to the inside host.
200-201 Security Policies and Procedures Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. 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.
```
%ASA-6-302013: Built outbound TCP connection 1234 for outside:203.0.113.1/80 (203.0.113.1/80) to inside:192.168.1.100/54832
```
Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst sees this syslog message from the ASA. Which statement best describes what is occurring?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Refer to the exhibit.
```
%ASA-6-302013: Built outbound TCP connection 1234 for outside:203.0.113.1/80 (203.0.113.1/80) to inside:192.168.1.100/54832
```
A
An inside host is initiating a connection to a web server
Why wrong: The log shows the connection is built from outside to inside, but the 'outbound' keyword indicates it's a response to an internal request.
B
Traffic is being denied by the access list
Why wrong: The message is a 'Built' connection, meaning it was allowed.
C
An external host is connecting to an internal host
The log shows the connection from outside to inside.
D
The connection is being torn down
Why wrong: The message indicates the connection is built, not torn.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An external host is connecting to an internal host
Option C is correct because the log shows a connection built from an outside host (203.0.113.1) to an inside host (192.168.1.100). This indicates a normal outbound connection from the internal host to the external web server. Option A is wrong because the source is outside. Option B is wrong because the destination is inside. Option D is wrong because the connection is allowed (built), not denied.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
An inside host is initiating a connection to a web server
Why it's wrong here
The log shows the connection is built from outside to inside, but the 'outbound' keyword indicates it's a response to an internal request.
✗
Traffic is being denied by the access list
Why it's wrong here
The message is a 'Built' connection, meaning it was allowed.
✓
An external host is connecting to an internal host
Why this is correct
The log shows the connection from outside to inside.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The connection is being torn down
Why it's wrong here
The message indicates the connection is built, not torn.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
The log shows the connection is built from outside to inside, but the 'outbound' keyword indicates it's a response to an internal request.
Command / output trap
The log shows the connection is built from outside to inside, but the 'outbound' keyword indicates it's a response to an internal request.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: An external host is connecting to an internal host — Option C is correct because the log shows a connection built from an outside host (203.0.113.1) to an inside host (192.168.1.100). This indicates a normal outbound connection from the internal host to the external web server. Option A is wrong because the source is outside. Option B is wrong because the destination is inside. Option D is wrong because the connection is allowed (built), not denied.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related 200-201 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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