The correct answer is a Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS). This is the right choice because HIDS is specifically designed to detect malware on endpoints by monitoring system calls, file integrity, and operating system logs at the host level, exactly matching the analyst’s scenario of observing low-level system behavior and verifying file integrity. On the CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between host-based and network-based security controls; a common trap is confusing HIDS with a Network-based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS), which monitors network traffic rather than endpoint system calls. Remember that HIDS lives on the host and watches what the system does internally, while NIDS watches the wire. A helpful memory tip: HIDS is like a security guard inside the building checking each room, whereas NIDS is the guard at the gate watching who comes and goes.
N10-009 Network Security Practice Question
This N10-009 practice question tests your understanding of network 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.
An IT security analyst is implementing a solution to detect malware on endpoints by monitoring system calls and file integrity. Which of the following types of controls is being deployed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS)
A Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) monitors system calls, file integrity, and operating system logs directly on the endpoint. This matches the scenario because the analyst is deploying a solution that detects malware by observing low-level system behavior and verifying file integrity, which are core HIDS functions.
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.
✓
Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS)
Why this is correct
HIDS monitors the host's internals like system calls, logs, and file changes for signs of intrusion or malware.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Network-based Intrusion Detection System (NIDS)
Why it's wrong here
NIDS monitors network traffic in real-time, not host-level activities.
✗
Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls filter traffic based on rules; they do not monitor system calls or file integrity.
✗
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Why it's wrong here
VPNs provide encrypted tunnels, not endpoint malware detection.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse HIDS with NIDS, thinking any 'intrusion detection' must be network-based, but the question's focus on system calls and file integrity clearly points to host-level monitoring.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
HIDS tools like OSSEC or Wazuh use kernel-level hooks (e.g., Linux auditd or Windows ETW) to capture system calls and compare file hashes against a known-good baseline. In a real-world scenario, a HIDS can detect a ransomware attack by noticing unexpected file modifications (e.g., mass .encrypted file creations) and anomalous process behavior (e.g., cmd.exe spawning wscript.exe).
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 N10-009 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this N10-009 question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) — A Host-based Intrusion Detection System (HIDS) monitors system calls, file integrity, and operating system logs directly on the endpoint. This matches the scenario because the analyst is deploying a solution that detects malware by observing low-level system behavior and verifying file integrity, which are core HIDS functions.
What should I do if I get this N10-009 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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