ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
A security operations center receives an alert that a workstation is communicating with a known command-and-control (C2) IP address every 60 seconds at consistent intervals. The endpoint detection and response (EDR) agent has not flagged any malicious files on the host. Which type of malware behavior BEST describes this activity?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that because the EDR agent found no malicious files, no malware is present, overlooking the network-level beaconing pattern.
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
✓
Beaconing
Regular, fixed-interval outbound connections to a known malicious address indicate beaconing, the heartbeat malware uses to maintain C2 communications. Because EDR found no malicious files, the network timing pattern becomes the key detection signal. Recognizing beaconing helps analysts identify stealthy implants that have evaded file-based detection and initiate containment before data theft or lateral movement occurs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ransomware encryption
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware encryption would manifest as mass file modification, deletion of shadow copies, and ransom notes, not as periodic outbound connections to a single external IP. EDR would likely flag rapid file entropy changes. The steady 60-second heartbeat pattern is inconsistent with encryption behavior, so this option does not fit the observed network evidence.
- ✗
Privilege escalation
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation involves gaining higher permissions, such as exploiting a vulnerable service to obtain administrator rights. It would appear in authentication and process logs, not as regular outbound traffic to an external address. The scenario shows no elevation attempts, so the periodic connection pattern cannot be explained by privilege escalation activity.
- ✓
Beaconing
Why this is correct
Beaconing is periodic, regular communication with a C2 server, exactly matching the 60-second intervals observed here. Malware uses this heartbeat to receive commands and exfiltrate data while blending into normal traffic. Because no malicious file was flagged, the network pattern is the strongest indicator, making beaconing the correct characterization of this activity.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection is a web application attack where malformed input manipulates backend database queries. It would be detected in web server or database logs tied to an application, not as a fixed-interval outbound connection from a workstation. Nothing in the scenario indicates a database or web application being targeted, so this is not the described behavior.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Security Foundations
Key term
Security operations center
A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized team and facility that monitors, detects, analyzes, and responds to cybersecurity incidents across an organization's IT environment 24/7.
Key term
Endpoint detection and response
Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a cybersecurity solution that continuously monitors endpoint devices for suspicious activity and automatically responds to threats to stop attacks in real time.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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