200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
Which OSI layer is associated with protocols such as HTTP, FTP, and SMTP, and is commonly targeted by application-layer attacks?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the misconception that HTTP and FTP are transport-layer protocols because they use TCP ports 80 and 21 respectively, but the trap is that these protocols operate at Layer 7, not Layer 4.
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
✓
Layer 7 - Application
HTTP, FTP, and SMTP are application-layer protocols that operate at Layer 7 of the OSI model. Application-layer attacks target this layer by exploiting vulnerabilities in the application logic, input validation, or protocol implementation, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), or buffer overflows in web servers.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Layer 2 - Data Link
Why it's wrong here
Layer 2 handles MAC addresses and switches, not application protocols.
- ✓
Layer 7 - Application
Why this is correct
Layer 7 is the application layer, where user-facing protocols operate.
- ✗
Layer 4 - Transport
Why it's wrong here
Layer 4 includes TCP/UDP, not application protocols.
- ✗
Layer 3 - Network
Why it's wrong here
Layer 3 deals with IP addressing and routing.
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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.