Quick Answer
The answer is authentication logs, specifically Windows Event ID 4624, because pass-the-hash and pass-the-ticket attacks rely on reusing stolen credential hashes or Kerberos tickets to authenticate across systems, and these logs capture the exact logon type, source, and target accounts that reveal unauthorized lateral movement. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between detection sources: while firewall, antivirus, and DNS logs show network flows, malware, or resolution queries, only authentication logs directly record the successful reuse of credentials that defines lateral movement. A common trap is choosing firewall logs because they show traffic between hosts, but they miss the authentication context that proves an attacker is moving laterally with stolen credentials. To remember this, think “Auth catches the hash”—authentication logs are the only source that captures the actual logon event when a hash is passed.
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 lateral movement within the network. Which log source is most critical for detecting lateral movement using pass-the-hash or pass-the-ticket attacks?
Authentication logs (e.g., Windows Event ID 4624)
Authentication logs track logon events and can reveal anomalous access patterns.
Antivirus logs
Why wrong: Antivirus logs show malware but not lateral movement.
DNS logs
Why wrong: DNS logs show queries but not authentication.
Firewall logs
Why wrong: Firewall logs show network connections but not authentication details.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Authentication logs (e.g., Windows Event ID 4624)
Option D is correct because authentication logs, especially from domain controllers, record logon events that indicate lateral movement. Option A is wrong because firewall logs show network flows but not authentication. Option B is wrong because antivirus logs show malware detections, not lateral movement directly. Option C is wrong because DNS logs show name resolution.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Authentication logs (e.g., Windows Event ID 4624)
Why this is correct
Authentication logs track logon events and can reveal anomalous access patterns.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Antivirus logs
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus logs show malware but not lateral movement.
DNS logs
Why it's wrong here
DNS logs show queries but not authentication.
Firewall logs
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs show network connections but not authentication details.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Antivirus logs show malware but not lateral movement.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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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FAQ
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Authentication logs (e.g., Windows Event ID 4624) — Option D is correct because authentication logs, especially from domain controllers, record logon events that indicate lateral movement. Option A is wrong because firewall logs show network flows but not authentication. Option B is wrong because antivirus logs show malware detections, not lateral movement directly. Option C is wrong because DNS logs show name resolution.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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