This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 THREE of the following are common security controls used to defend against ransomware?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implementing application whitelisting
Application whitelisting is a security control that prevents unauthorized executables, scripts, and macros from running. By default allowing only approved software, it blocks ransomware payloads that arrive as unknown or untrusted files, even if a user inadvertently executes them.
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.
✓
Implementing application whitelisting
Why this is correct
Whitelisting prevents unauthorized executables, including ransomware, from running.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Allowing macros in office documents
Why it's wrong here
Macros are a common vector for ransomware; disabling them is recommended.
✗
Disabling user accounts after 3 failed attempts
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout does not prevent ransomware infection.
✓
Regular offline backups
Why this is correct
Offline backups ensure data can be restored without paying ransom.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Network segmentation to limit lateral movement
Why this is correct
Segmentation contains ransomware to a single segment, preventing widespread damage.
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 preventive controls (like whitelisting) and reactive controls (like account lockout), and the trap here is confusing a brute-force mitigation with a ransomware defense, or assuming that enabling macros is a safe practice.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Application whitelisting relies on cryptographic hashes (e.g., SHA-256), digital signatures, or file paths to identify trusted software. In a real-world scenario, a ransomware variant like Ryuk often uses PowerShell scripts or WMI to execute; whitelisting can block these if they are not explicitly allowed. This control is most effective when combined with a deny-by-default policy and centralized management via tools like Windows AppLocker or Cisco AMP.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implementing application whitelisting — Application whitelisting is a security control that prevents unauthorized executables, scripts, and macros from running. By default allowing only approved software, it blocks ransomware payloads that arrive as unknown or untrusted files, even if a user inadvertently executes them.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.