The correct answer is a brute force attack because the exhibit displays repeated failed login attempts originating from a single IP address, which is the hallmark of this threat. A brute force attack systematically tries numerous username and password combinations against a service like SSH, RDP, or a web login portal until it finds valid credentials, exploiting weak or common passwords. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize attack patterns from logs or exhibits, often contrasting brute force with dictionary attacks or denial-of-service events. A common trap is confusing a brute force attack with a dictionary attack—remember that brute force tries every possible combination, while a dictionary attack uses a precompiled list of likely passwords. For a quick memory tip, think of the word “brute” as “brute strength” or “endless repetition”: if you see a flood of login failures from the same source, it’s brute force hammering away at the door.
FC0-U61 Security Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Security Event Log:
Event ID: 4625
Logon Type: 10 (RemoteInteractive)
Account Name: Administrator
Source Network Address: 203.0.113.50
Failure Reason: Unknown user name or bad password.
Which security threat is indicated in the exhibit?
Refer to the exhibit.
Security Event Log:
Event ID: 4625
Logon Type: 10 (RemoteInteractive)
Account Name: Administrator
Source Network Address: 203.0.113.50
Failure Reason: Unknown user name or bad password.
A
DDoS
Why wrong: DDoS floods a network with traffic, not login attempts.
B
Phishing
Why wrong: Phishing involves deceptive messages, not repeated logon attempts.
C
Malware infection
Why wrong: Malware infection would typically show signs like file changes or unusual processes.
D
Brute force attack
The log shows failed login attempts, characteristic of a brute force attack.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Brute force attack
The exhibit shows repeated failed login attempts from a single IP address, which is characteristic of a brute force attack. This attack systematically tries many username/password combinations to gain unauthorized access, often targeting services like SSH, RDP, or web login portals.
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.
✗
DDoS
Why it's wrong here
DDoS floods a network with traffic, not login attempts.
✗
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing involves deceptive messages, not repeated logon attempts.
✗
Malware infection
Why it's wrong here
Malware infection would typically show signs like file changes or unusual processes.
✓
Brute force attack
Why this is correct
The log shows failed login attempts, characteristic of a brute force attack.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse repeated failed logins with a malware infection or DDoS, but the key indicator is the systematic, single-source attempt pattern targeting authentication, not traffic volume or malicious code.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Malware infection would typically show signs like file changes or unusual processes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Brute force attacks often target default or weak credentials, and tools like Hydra or Medusa automate the process. Rate limiting (e.g., fail2ban) or account lockout policies after a set number of failures (e.g., 3-5 attempts) are common mitigations. In real-world scenarios, attackers may use distributed brute force to bypass IP-based blocking by rotating through many IP addresses.
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 — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute force attack — The exhibit shows repeated failed login attempts from a single IP address, which is characteristic of a brute force attack. This attack systematically tries many username/password combinations to gain unauthorized access, often targeting services like SSH, RDP, or web login portals.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 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.
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Question Discussion
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