The answer is HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run. These two keys are the most relevant when investigating the Windows Registry for malicious persistence because the Services key stores every registered Windows service, including its executable path and startup type, while the Run key lists programs that launch automatically at user logon. Attackers commonly abuse both to ensure their malware survives a reboot, either by registering a rogue service or by adding a malicious entry under Run. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to identify common persistence mechanisms within the registry, often appearing in scenarios where you must differentiate between user-specific and machine-wide persistence. A common trap is confusing the Run key with RunOnce, which executes only once, or overlooking that services can be hidden under non-standard names. Memory tip: think “Services for system-level boot, Run for user logon” to quickly recall which key handles each persistence method.
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based analysis. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
An analyst is examining the Windows Registry on a host suspected of persistence via a malicious service. Which two registry keys are most relevant to investigate?
Option A is correct because the Services key under CurrentControlSet lists all registered Windows services, including their executable paths and startup types. Malicious services often register here to achieve persistence by starting automatically with the system. Examining this key allows an analyst to identify suspicious service names, image paths, or startup configurations that indicate persistence.
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.
This key contains Windows NT settings, not directly service persistence.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between service persistence (Services key) and other autorun mechanisms (Run, RunOnce, AppInit_DLLs), so candidates may confuse the Services key with the Run key or other startup locations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the Services key, each subkey represents a service with values such as ImagePath (the executable path), Start (startup type: 2=auto, 3=manual, 4=disabled), and ObjectName (account context). Malware often creates services with deceptive names or sets ImagePath to a binary in a user-writable directory. Analysts should also check for services that reference non-existent or unsigned binaries, as well as those with unusual start values or dependencies.
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.
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services — Option A is correct because the Services key under CurrentControlSet lists all registered Windows services, including their executable paths and startup types. Malicious services often register here to achieve persistence by starting automatically with the system. Examining this key allows an analyst to identify suspicious service names, image paths, or startup configurations that indicate persistence.
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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