hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISA Practice Question: The exhibit shows a log entry from a domain…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` System Log Entry: Timestamp: 2024-03-15 14:32:17 Event ID: 4625 (Logon Failure) Account: svc_backup Source: Backup Server Failure Reason: Account locked out. ```
The exhibit shows a log entry from a domain controller. The IS auditor is investigating account lockout issues. What is the MOST likely cause of this event?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume a single failed logon event directly indicates lockout, but the question asks for the 'MOST likely cause' of the lockout issue, which is the accumulation of multiple failed attempts from the same source (the backup server) due to a mismatched password.
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
✓
Multiple failed authentication attempts from the backup server
The log entry shows a failed authentication attempt from the backup server's IP address (10.0.0.15) using the service account 'svc_backup'. The event ID 4625 indicates an account logon failure, and the 'Failure Reason' field explicitly states 'Unknown user name or bad password'. Since the account name is correct, the most likely cause is multiple failed authentication attempts (e.g., due to a stale or incorrect password cached in the backup software) leading to account lockout, not a single event.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Multiple failed authentication attempts from the backup server
Why this is correct
Account lockout is triggered by multiple failed attempts.
- ✗
The service account password has expired
Why it's wrong here
Password expiry causes 'password expired' error, not lockout.
- ✗
The service account does not exist
Why it's wrong here
If it didn't exist, the error would be 'account unknown'.
- ✗
The service account has been disabled by an administrator
Why it's wrong here
Disabled accounts show 'account disabled' status.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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