- A
DNS query logs from the internal DNS server
Why wrong: DNS logs record domain name resolution queries, not raw TCP connection attempts. They would not show the SYN packets or the scan pattern.
- B
Web proxy logs from the corporate proxy server
Why wrong: Web proxy logs only capture HTTP/HTTPS traffic that is explicitly proxied. RDP traffic on port 3389 would not typically go through a web proxy, so these logs would not contain relevant data.
- C
Intrusion detection system (IDS) logs from a network-based IDS placed behind the firewall
A network-based IDS monitors all traffic and uses signatures to detect reconnaissance activities such as port scans. The IDS logs would provide an alert with the signature name (e.g., 'TCP Port Scan') and details about the source IP and targeted hosts, confirming the scan.
- D
VPN gateway authentication logs
Why wrong: VPN gateway logs record successful and failed authentication attempts for remote users. They do not capture external connection attempts that do not reach the VPN server or involve authentication.
SY0-701 Security Operations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 security analyst is reviewing the perimeter firewall logs. The analyst observes repeated TCP SYN packets from a single external IP address (203.0.113.50) to multiple internal IP addresses on TCP port 3389. The packets are sent with a consistent 50-millisecond interval. There are no subsequent SYN-ACK or RST packets from the internal hosts in the logs. The analyst suspects this is a reconnaissance scan. Which of the following additional log sources would provide the most definitive evidence to confirm this suspicion?
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
Intrusion detection system (IDS) logs from a network-based IDS placed behind the firewall
Option C is correct because a network-based IDS placed behind the firewall can inspect the full packet payload and detect the specific pattern of TCP SYN packets without corresponding SYN-ACK or RST responses, which is characteristic of a SYN scan (a type of reconnaissance scan). The IDS can correlate the consistent 50-millisecond interval and the targeting of TCP port 3389 (RDP) across multiple internal IPs, providing definitive evidence of scanning behavior that firewall logs alone cannot confirm due to lack of session completion.
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.
- ✗
DNS query logs from the internal DNS server
- ✗
Web proxy logs from the corporate proxy server
Why it's wrong here
Web proxy logs only capture HTTP/HTTPS traffic that is explicitly proxied. RDP traffic on port 3389 would not typically go through a web proxy, so these logs would not contain relevant data.
- ✓
Intrusion detection system (IDS) logs from a network-based IDS placed behind the firewall
Why this is correct
A network-based IDS monitors all traffic and uses signatures to detect reconnaissance activities such as port scans. The IDS logs would provide an alert with the signature name (e.g., 'TCP Port Scan') and details about the source IP and targeted hosts, confirming the scan.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
VPN gateway authentication logs
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think firewall logs alone are sufficient to confirm a scan, but they miss that an IDS provides deeper packet inspection and pattern correlation that definitively identifies reconnaissance behavior, especially when the firewall drops the packets before they reach internal hosts.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
DNS logs record domain name resolution queries, not raw TCP connection attempts. They would not show the SYN packets or the scan pattern.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A SYN scan (half-open scan) works by sending a TCP SYN packet and never completing the three-way handshake; if the port is open, the target responds with SYN-ACK, but the scanner sends RST instead of ACK, leaving no complete connection in firewall logs. In this scenario, the absence of SYN-ACK or RST packets from internal hosts suggests the firewall is dropping the SYN packets (e.g., via an access control list) or the internal hosts are not responding, but an IDS behind the firewall can still see the inbound SYNs and correlate the timing and destination pattern to confirm reconnaissance. The consistent 50-millisecond interval is a hallmark of automated scanning tools like Nmap using the -T5 timing template.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 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: Intrusion detection system (IDS) logs from a network-based IDS placed behind the firewall — Option C is correct because a network-based IDS placed behind the firewall can inspect the full packet payload and detect the specific pattern of TCP SYN packets without corresponding SYN-ACK or RST responses, which is characteristic of a SYN scan (a type of reconnaissance scan). The IDS can correlate the consistent 50-millisecond interval and the targeting of TCP port 3389 (RDP) across multiple internal IPs, providing definitive evidence of scanning behavior that firewall logs alone cannot confirm due to lack of session completion.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 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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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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