The correct answer is a brute force SSH attack. This log represents a brute force SSH attack because it contains repeated 'Failed password' messages for the same user 'admin' from a single source IP (10.10.0.5) to a fixed destination IP (10.10.0.3) within a compressed time window, which is the hallmark of an attacker systematically guessing passwords. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between brute force attacks and other threats like dictionary attacks or DoS; the key differentiator here is the sheer volume of rapid, identical failures from one source. A common trap is confusing this with a dictionary attack, but a brute force attack typically tries all possible combinations rather than a curated word list. Memory tip: think "Same IP, Same User, Many Fails" — if you see that triple pattern, it’s brute force every time.
200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security monitoring. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Brute force SSH attack.
The log shows repeated SSH connection attempts with 'Failed password' messages from the same source IP (10.10.0.5) to the same destination IP (10.10.0.3) for user 'admin'. This pattern of multiple failed authentication attempts in a short time window is characteristic of a brute force SSH attack, where an attacker systematically tries different passwords to gain unauthorized access.
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.
✗
Man-in-the-middle attack.
Why it's wrong here
Man-in-the-middle requires interception, which is not indicated here.
✗
Denial-of-service (DoS) attack.
Why it's wrong here
DoS would likely involve many source IPs or high traffic volume.
✓
Brute force SSH attack.
Why this is correct
Repeated connections to port 22 from one source suggest SSH brute-force.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Port scan.
Why it's wrong here
A port scan would typically target multiple ports, not just SSH.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a brute force attack (repeated authentication attempts) and a port scan (probing multiple ports), so the trap here is that candidates see multiple connection attempts and mistakenly think it is a port scan rather than recognizing the SSH-specific 'Failed password' messages.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSH brute force attacks often leverage tools like Hydra or Medusa that automate password guessing against the SSH daemon (sshd). The log entries show 'Failed password' events, which are generated by the SSH server's authentication module (PAM) when a password does not match. In a real-world scenario, attackers may use a dictionary of common passwords or credentials leaked from other breaches, and the attack can be mitigated by implementing rate limiting, fail2ban, or key-based authentication.
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.
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute force SSH attack. — The log shows repeated SSH connection attempts with 'Failed password' messages from the same source IP (10.10.0.5) to the same destination IP (10.10.0.3) for user 'admin'. This pattern of multiple failed authentication attempts in a short time window is characteristic of a brute force SSH attack, where an attacker systematically tries different passwords to gain unauthorized access.
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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