This CC practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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.
Exhibit
Mar 24 10:23:45 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ssh2
Mar 24 10:23:47 server sshd[1235]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ssh2
Mar 24 10:23:50 server sshd[1236]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ssh2
Refer to the exhibit. An analyst sees these logs. What type of attack is occurring?
Mar 24 10:23:45 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ssh2
Mar 24 10:23:47 server sshd[1235]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ssh2
Mar 24 10:23:50 server sshd[1236]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ssh2
A
Phishing
Why wrong: Phishing does not produce SSH failure logs.
B
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection would appear in web logs, not SSH logs.
C
Brute-force attack
Multiple failed password attempts from a single source characterize a brute-force attack.
D
Port scan
Why wrong: Port scans involve attempts on multiple ports, not just SSH.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Brute-force attack
Option A is correct because repeated failed login attempts from the same IP indicate a brute-force attack. The other options do not match the pattern.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SQL injection would appear in web logs, not SSH logs.
✓
Brute-force attack
Why this is correct
Multiple failed password attempts from a single source characterize a brute-force attack.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Port scan
Why it's wrong here
Port scans involve attempts on multiple ports, not just SSH.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
An employee at a financial services firm receives an email that appears to come from the IT helpdesk, asking them to reset their password via a link. The link leads to a convincing fake portal that harvests credentials. Security teams use phishing simulations and security-awareness training to reduce this attack vector. Questions like this test whether you can identify social engineering techniques and appropriate controls.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute-force attack — Option A is correct because repeated failed login attempts from the same IP indicate a brute-force attack. The other options do not match the pattern.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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