- A
Brute-force attack
Why wrong: A brute-force attack typically targets a single username and attempts many different passwords against it. The observed pattern shows many usernames with a single password, which does not match this definition.
- B
Password spraying attack
Password spraying involves using a small number of common passwords against a large number of user accounts. This matches the log pattern: different usernames, same password, many attempts.
- C
Credential stuffing attack
Why wrong: Credential stuffing uses lists of known username-password pairs from previous breaches. The logs show a single password repeated across all attempts, not unique passwords paired with specific usernames.
- D
Dictionary attack
Why wrong: A dictionary attack typically tries many common passwords against a single user account. The log shows the opposite: one password being tried against many users.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is a password spraying attack. This is because the logs show a single common password, 'Spring2024!', being attempted against thousands of different usernames, which is the defining characteristic of password spraying. Unlike a brute-force attack that tries many passwords against one account, password spraying deliberately avoids account lockout policies by spreading a few common passwords across many accounts. The widely distributed source IPs further confirm this is a coordinated, distributed campaign. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this question tests your ability to differentiate between authentication attack types, with the most common trap being to confuse it with a brute-force attack. Remember the key distinction: brute-force is "many passwords, one user," while password spraying is "one password, many users." A useful memory tip is to think of "spraying a hose" — you spray one liquid (one password) over a wide area (many usernames).
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. 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 security analyst is reviewing authentication logs from a corporate web application. The logs show thousands of failed login attempts over the past hour. Each attempt uses a different username, but all attempts use the same password 'Spring2024!'. The source IP addresses are widely distributed across several different geographic regions. Which type of attack is the analyst most likely observing?
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
Password spraying attack
The attack uses a single common password ('Spring2024!') against many different usernames, which is the hallmark of a password spraying attack. Unlike brute-force attacks that target one account with many passwords, password spraying avoids account lockout by trying one password across many accounts. The wide distribution of source IPs is consistent with a distributed password spraying campaign, often using botnets or proxies.
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.
- ✗
Brute-force attack
Why it's wrong here
A brute-force attack typically targets a single username and attempts many different passwords against it. The observed pattern shows many usernames with a single password, which does not match this definition.
- ✓
Password spraying attack
Why this is correct
Password spraying involves using a small number of common passwords against a large number of user accounts. This matches the log pattern: different usernames, same password, many attempts.
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.
- ✗
Credential stuffing attack
Why it's wrong here
Credential stuffing uses lists of known username-password pairs from previous breaches. The logs show a single password repeated across all attempts, not unique passwords paired with specific usernames.
- ✗
Dictionary attack
Why it's wrong here
A dictionary attack typically tries many common passwords against a single user account. The log shows the opposite: one password being tried against many users.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing password spraying with credential stuffing: candidates see 'different usernames' and assume stolen credentials are being used, but the single reused password across all attempts is the key differentiator for password spraying.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A brute-force attack typically targets a single username and attempts many different passwords against it. The observed pattern shows many usernames with a single password, which does not match this definition.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Password spraying exploits the common practice of users setting weak, predictable passwords like seasonal patterns (e.g., 'Spring2024!'). Attackers often use automated tools that rotate through usernames slowly (e.g., one attempt per account every 30–60 minutes) to avoid triggering account lockout thresholds. In Active Directory environments, this attack can be detected by monitoring for Event ID 4625 with a specific failure code (0xC000006D) across multiple accounts from different source IPs.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All SY0-701 questions
1,152 questions across all exam domains
- →
Security+ SY0-701 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
SY0-701 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related SY0-701 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
General Security Concepts practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to General Security Concepts.
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations.
Security Architecture practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Program Management and Oversight practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security Program Management and Oversight.
Security+ social engineering questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ social engineering questions.
Security+ cryptography practice questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ cryptography.
Security+ IAM questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ IAM questions.
Security+ risk management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ risk management questions.
Security+ incident response questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ incident response questions.
Security+ malware questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ malware questions.
Security+ vulnerability management questions
Practise SY0-701 questions linked to Security+ vulnerability management questions.
Practice this exam
Start a free SY0-701 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Password spraying attack — The attack uses a single common password ('Spring2024!') against many different usernames, which is the hallmark of a password spraying attack. Unlike brute-force attacks that target one account with many passwords, password spraying avoids account lockout by trying one password across many accounts. The wide distribution of source IPs is consistent with a distributed password spraying campaign, often using botnets or proxies.
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.
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: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.