The answer is the remote interactive logon from IP 192.168.10.50 using NTLM. This event is most suspicious because logon type 10 (RemoteInteractive) indicates a direct Remote Desktop connection, and when paired with the legacy NTLM authentication protocol—often used in pass-the-hash attacks—it signals a potential unauthorized session, especially from an unfamiliar IP address. On the CISA exam, this tests your ability to differentiate between normal network logons (type 3) and high-risk interactive logons, as well as recognize that NTLM is weaker than Kerberos and frequently exploited in lateral movement. A common trap is mistaking a routine network logon for a threat, so focus on the logon type and authentication protocol together during suspicious logon event analysis. Memory tip: “Type 10, NTLM, unknown IP—think RDP intrusion.”
CISA Practice Question: Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of information systems operations and business resilience. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The remote interactive logon from IP 192.168.10.50 using NTLM
Option B is correct because a logon type 10 (Remote Interactive) from an unknown IP (192.168.10.50) using NTLM could indicate an unauthorized remote desktop session, especially if the employee is not on shift or the IP is unfamiliar. Option A is a normal network logon; Option C is not an event; Option D is not logged here.
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.
✗
The use of Negotiate authentication package
Why it's wrong here
Negotiate is common and not suspicious.
✗
The logoff event at 23:45:12
Why it's wrong here
A logoff after a logon is normal.
✓
The remote interactive logon from IP 192.168.10.50 using NTLM
Why this is correct
Remote interactive logon allows interactive access, and the source IP is different from the usual internal range; NTLM is less secure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The logon from workstation WS-FINANCE at 10.0.0.15
Why it's wrong here
This appears to be a normal network logon from a known workstation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CISA 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CISA 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.
Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience — This question tests Information Systems Operations and Business Resilience — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The remote interactive logon from IP 192.168.10.50 using NTLM — Option B is correct because a logon type 10 (Remote Interactive) from an unknown IP (192.168.10.50) using NTLM could indicate an unauthorized remote desktop session, especially if the employee is not on shift or the IP is unfamiliar. Option A is a normal network logon; Option C is not an event; Option D is not logged here.
What should I do if I get this CISA question wrong?
Identify which CISA 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.
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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