This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. 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 detects unusual outbound network traffic from a database server to an unknown IP address. The traffic uses encrypted connections on port 443. Which type of attack is MOST likely occurring?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Data exfiltration
The encrypted outbound traffic on port 443 (HTTPS) from a database server to an unknown IP is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use encrypted channels to bypass network security controls, as the contents of the traffic cannot be inspected by DLP or IDS/IPS systems. The database server is a high-value target for sensitive data, making this the most likely attack scenario.
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.
✓
Data exfiltration
Why this is correct
Encrypted outbound traffic to an unknown IP is a classic sign of data exfiltration.
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.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection is typically used to extract data via web application, not encrypted outbound traffic.
✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware usually encrypts files locally and demands ransom, not necessarily exfiltrating data.
✗
Denial of service
Why it's wrong here
DoS attacks generate high traffic to overwhelm resources, not stealthy encrypted outbound.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse the encrypted traffic on port 443 with legitimate database replication or backup traffic, but the unknown destination IP and unusual outbound pattern from a database server are key red flags for exfiltration, not a normal administrative function.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Data exfiltration over HTTPS leverages TLS encryption to hide the payload, making it indistinguishable from legitimate web traffic. Attackers may use tools like `curl` or custom scripts to POST stolen data to a remote server, often using DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) or other tunneling techniques to evade detection. In real-world scenarios, this is commonly seen in advanced persistent threat (APT) operations where data is slowly exfiltrated to avoid triggering volume-based alerts.
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 CISM 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Data exfiltration — The encrypted outbound traffic on port 443 (HTTPS) from a database server to an unknown IP is a classic indicator of data exfiltration. Attackers often use encrypted channels to bypass network security controls, as the contents of the traffic cannot be inspected by DLP or IDS/IPS systems. The database server is a high-value target for sensitive data, making this the most likely attack scenario.
What should I do if I get this CISM 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.
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This CISM practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISM exam.
Question Discussion
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