- A
Large data transfers to an external IP address during non-business hours
Encrypted exfiltration often occurs outside business hours to avoid detection, and large transfers are a key indicator.
- B
Multiple HTTP GET requests to a known content delivery network
Why wrong: This is normal traffic to a CDN, not indicative of exfiltration.
- C
A single large file upload to a cloud storage provider during work hours
Why wrong: This could be legitimate business use, especially during work hours, and is less suspicious than off-hours transfers.
- D
Repeated connections to an external host on a non-standard port using TLS
Using TLS on non-standard ports (e.g., 8443, 444) can indicate an attempt to hide exfiltration traffic.
- E
High volumes of DNS queries to a single external domain
Why wrong: This indicates DNS tunneling, which is a form of exfiltration but is not necessarily encrypted; it uses DNS protocol. The question specifies encrypted tunnels.
CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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.
A SOC analyst is investigating a potential data exfiltration incident. The analyst suspects that an insider is using encrypted tunnels to transfer data. Which TWO of the following network traffic analysis (NTA) indicators are most likely to suggest encrypted exfiltration? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
Large data transfers to an external IP address during non-business hours
Unusual volumes of traffic to a single external IP, especially during off-hours, can indicate data exfiltration. Repeated connections to an external host using non-standard ports, even if encrypted, are suspicious because they may bypass security controls. DNS tunneling is detectable by high volumes of DNS queries to a single domain, but that is separate.
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.
- ✓
Large data transfers to an external IP address during non-business hours
Why this is correct
Encrypted exfiltration often occurs outside business hours to avoid detection, and large transfers are a key indicator.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Multiple HTTP GET requests to a known content delivery network
Why it's wrong here
This is normal traffic to a CDN, not indicative of exfiltration.
- ✗
A single large file upload to a cloud storage provider during work hours
Why it's wrong here
This could be legitimate business use, especially during work hours, and is less suspicious than off-hours transfers.
- ✓
Repeated connections to an external host on a non-standard port using TLS
Why this is correct
Using TLS on non-standard ports (e.g., 8443, 444) can indicate an attempt to hide exfiltration traffic.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
High volumes of DNS queries to a single external domain
Why it's wrong here
This indicates DNS tunneling, which is a form of exfiltration but is not necessarily encrypted; it uses DNS protocol. The question specifies encrypted tunnels.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 CAS-004 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 CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Security Operations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CAS-004 question test?
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Large data transfers to an external IP address during non-business hours — Unusual volumes of traffic to a single external IP, especially during off-hours, can indicate data exfiltration. Repeated connections to an external host using non-standard ports, even if encrypted, are suspicious because they may bypass security controls. DNS tunneling is detectable by high volumes of DNS queries to a single domain, but that is separate.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-004 exam.
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