The correct next step is to analyze network traffic to identify the process responsible for the connections. This is because a clean antivirus scan does not rule out malicious activity; the outbound traffic could stem from fileless malware, a compromised legitimate service, or a script abusing port 445 (SMB). Following outbound malicious traffic analysis steps, tools like Wireshark or NetFlow can pinpoint the source process via Windows Event Logs or Sysmon, revealing whether the traffic is encrypted or exfiltrating data. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your understanding that endpoint security tools have blind spots, and network forensics is a critical next step. A common trap is assuming a clean scan means the system is safe, but the exam emphasizes defense-in-depth and behavioral analysis. Memory tip: “Clean AV? Check the log—process is the key, not the file.”
ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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.
A security analyst reviews firewall logs and notices a large number of outbound connections from a single internal IP to a known malicious IP on port 445. The analyst quarantines the workstation and runs an antivirus scan, which finds no malware. What should the analyst do next?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Analyze network traffic to identify the process responsible for the connections.
Option D is correct because the absence of malware detection does not rule out malicious activity; the connections could be caused by a legitimate process that has been abused (e.g., a vulnerable service or script) or by fileless malware that evades signature-based scans. Analyzing network traffic with tools like Wireshark or NetFlow can identify the source process (e.g., via Windows Event Logs or Sysmon), the exact data being sent, and whether the traffic is encrypted or uses SMB protocol specifics on port 445. This forensic step is essential before taking irreversible actions like reimaging or broad blocking.
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.
✗
Conclude that the scan is clean and remove the quarantine.
Why it's wrong here
Clean scan does not guarantee safety; false negatives are possible.
✗
Reimage the workstation immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging may be unnecessary if malware is not confirmed.
✗
Block all outbound traffic on port 445 from the internal network.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking port 445 broadly could affect legitimate SMB traffic.
✓
Analyze network traffic to identify the process responsible for the connections.
Why this is correct
Further investigation helps identify the root cause.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that a clean antivirus scan means the system is secure, when in reality, fileless malware or living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) can evade traditional scans and require network-level forensics to detect.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Port 445 is used by SMB over TCP (Direct Hosting), which is a common vector for ransomware and lateral movement (e.g., EternalBlue). Even if no malware is found, the outbound connections could be from a legitimate process like svchost.exe or explorer.exe that has been hijacked via DLL injection or a scheduled task. Analyzing network traffic with a tool like Wireshark can reveal SMB commands (e.g., NT Create AndX) and the specific files or shares being accessed, while correlating with Windows Security Event ID 5140 (network share object accessed) can pinpoint the process ID.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Analyze network traffic to identify the process responsible for the connections. — Option D is correct because the absence of malware detection does not rule out malicious activity; the connections could be caused by a legitimate process that has been abused (e.g., a vulnerable service or script) or by fileless malware that evades signature-based scans. Analyzing network traffic with tools like Wireshark or NetFlow can identify the source process (e.g., via Windows Event Logs or Sysmon), the exact data being sent, and whether the traffic is encrypted or uses SMB protocol specifics on port 445. This forensic step is essential before taking irreversible actions like reimaging or broad blocking.
What should I do if I get this CC 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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Question Discussion
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