The answer is an internal host sending large DNS TXT queries to an external server. This is a strong indicator of data exfiltration because DNS TXT records can carry arbitrary text data, allowing an attacker to encode stolen information into seemingly normal DNS traffic that bypasses traditional security controls. The large volume of queries, especially during off-hours like 3 AM, deviates from standard business patterns and signals a covert data transfer. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your ability to recognize anomalous network behavior tied to the exfiltration phase of the Cyber Kill Chain. A common trap is dismissing DNS traffic as benign, but remember that attackers often abuse trusted protocols to hide data. For a quick memory tip, think “DNS Dump” — large, off-hours DNS queries are a dump of data in disguise.
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 TWO of the following are indicators of a potential data exfiltration attempt?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
An internal host transferring large amounts of data to an unknown external IP at 3 AM.
Option A is correct because data exfiltration often involves transferring large volumes of data to an unknown external IP during off-hours (e.g., 3 AM) to evade detection. This behavior deviates from normal business patterns and is a classic indicator of a data breach or insider threat.
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.
✓
An internal host transferring large amounts of data to an unknown external IP at 3 AM.
Why this is correct
Unusual time and volume strongly suggest exfiltration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A user accessing an internal file server during business hours.
Why it's wrong here
This is normal activity.
✓
An internal host sending large DNS TXT queries to an external server.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A failed login attempt from an internal workstation.
Why it's wrong here
Failed login is a different type of event.
✗
A spike in ICMP echo requests from an external IP.
Why it's wrong here
ICMP spikes may indicate a ping sweep, not exfiltration.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between normal network activity (e.g., file server access during business hours) and anomalous patterns (e.g., off-hours bulk transfers or DNS tunneling), so candidates must focus on the context of time, volume, and protocol misuse rather than just the action itself.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Data exfiltration via DNS uses TXT queries to encode stolen data in DNS responses, bypassing traditional firewalls since DNS traffic is often allowed. Tools like dnscat2 or C2 frameworks leverage this technique, making it a stealthy exfiltration method. Real-world attacks, such as those using SolarWinds, have used DNS tunneling to exfiltrate data over long periods.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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 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: An internal host transferring large amounts of data to an unknown external IP at 3 AM. — Option A is correct because data exfiltration often involves transferring large volumes of data to an unknown external IP during off-hours (e.g., 3 AM) to evade detection. This behavior deviates from normal business patterns and is a classic indicator of a data breach or insider threat.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An analyst is monitoring network traffic and sees a sudden spike in outbound data transfer from an internal server to an external IP that is known to be malicious. What is the most likely scenario?
easy
A.Software update.
✓ B.Data exfiltration.
C.User downloading a large file.
D.Normal backup operation.
Why B: A sudden spike in outbound data transfer from an internal server to a known malicious external IP is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use compromised servers to siphon sensitive data (e.g., credentials, databases) to a command-and-control (C2) server. This behavior aligns with the post-compromise phase of an attack, where the goal is to extract data without triggering immediate alarms.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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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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