200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
Which log type would an analyst examine to see failed login attempts to a Windows server?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between OS-level logs (system/security logs) and application-specific logs (web server logs), so candidates mistakenly choose web server logs thinking they capture all login attempts, but web server logs only capture HTTP authentication, not Windows interactive or RDP logins.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
System logs
System logs (Event Logs) on a Windows server record security-related events, including failed login attempts under Event ID 4625 (Windows 10/Server 2012 R2 and later). An analyst would examine these logs in Event Viewer under 'Windows Logs > Security' to identify authentication failures, which are critical for detecting brute-force attacks or unauthorized access attempts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
DNS logs
Why it's wrong here
DNS logs show queries, not authentication.
- ✗
Firewall logs
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs show allowed/denied traffic, not authentication.
- ✗
Web server logs
Why it's wrong here
Web logs show HTTP requests, not OS logins.
- ✓
System logs
Why this is correct
System logs contain security events like logon failures.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.