- A
DNS logs
Why wrong: DNS logs show queries, not authentication.
- B
Firewall logs
Why wrong: Firewall logs show allowed/denied traffic, not authentication.
- C
Web server logs
Why wrong: Web logs show HTTP requests, not OS logins.
- D
System logs
System logs contain security events like logon failures.
Question 897 of 1,000
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.
Which log type would an analyst examine to see failed login attempts to a Windows server?
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
DNS logs show queries, not authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Windows Security logs are stored in %SystemRoot%\System32\winevt\Logs\Security.evtx and can be queried via PowerShell with `Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Security'; ID=4625}`. Failed login attempts generate Event ID 4625 with details like account name, source IP (for network logons), and failure reason (e.g., bad password, account locked). In a real-world scenario, an analyst might correlate multiple 4625 events from the same source IP to identify a brute-force attack, then pivot to firewall logs to block that IP.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
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: 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.
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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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