Quick Answer
The answer is the `last` command, because it is the best tool for verifying active user accounts in Linux by reading the /var/log/wtmp file to display login and logout records, including timestamps and session durations. This directly addresses whether suspicious accounts found in /etc/passwd are actively being used, as `last` shows recent login activity rather than just static account listings. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between host-based analysis tools—a common trap is choosing `who` or `w`, which show only currently logged-in users, missing historical logins that `last` captures. Remember that `last` looks backward through the wtmp log, making it ideal for verifying if an account has been used recently, even if the user is no longer active. A helpful memory tip: “Last logs the past” to recall that `last` reveals historical login activity from the wtmp file.
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.
An analyst is examining a Linux host suspected of being compromised. The file /etc/passwd shows unusual entries. Which host-based analysis tool is best for verifying if the accounts are actively being used?
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.
lsof tool
Why wrong: lsof lists open files, not login history.
ps aux command
Why wrong: ps shows running processes, not account activity.
last command output
last reads /var/log/wtmp and shows login sessions, indicating active use.
auditd logs
Why wrong: auditd logs system calls but not specifically login events for all accounts.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
last command output
The `last` command reads the /var/log/wtmp file to display a list of all users who have logged in and out, including their login times and durations. Since the question asks whether suspicious accounts from /etc/passwd are actively being used, `last` directly shows recent login activity, making it the best tool for verification.
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.
lsof tool
Why it's wrong here
lsof lists open files, not login history.
ps aux command
Why it's wrong here
ps shows running processes, not account activity.
last command output
Why this is correct
last reads /var/log/wtmp and shows login sessions, indicating active use.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
auditd logs
Why it's wrong here
auditd logs system calls but not specifically login events for all accounts.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between tools that show current state (like `ps` or `lsof`) versus tools that show historical activity (like `last`), trapping candidates who confuse 'active processes' with 'active user accounts'.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
ps shows running processes, not account activity.
Detailed technical explanation
The `last` command parses the binary wtmp file, which is updated on each login, logout, and system reboot. A subtle behavior is that `last` can also read the btmp file (via `lastb`) to show failed login attempts, which is useful for detecting brute-force attacks on suspicious accounts. In a real-world incident, an analyst might run `last -F` to get full timestamps or `last -i` to display IP addresses, correlating with other logs to confirm compromise.
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.
Host-Based Analysis — study guide chapter
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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: last command output — The `last` command reads the /var/log/wtmp file to display a list of all users who have logged in and out, including their login times and durations. Since the question asks whether suspicious accounts from /etc/passwd are actively being used, `last` directly shows recent login activity, making it the best tool for verification.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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