mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
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?
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
✓
Brute-force attack
The logs show repeated failed login attempts from the same IP address. This pattern is characteristic of a brute-force attack, where an attacker tries many password combinations to gain unauthorized access. Phishing involves tricking users into revealing credentials, SQL injection targets database queries, and port scans probe for open ports.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Phishing
Why it's wrong here
Phishing does not produce SSH failure logs.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection would appear in web logs, not SSH logs.
- ✓
Brute-force attack
Why this is correct
A brute-force attack is precisely identified by the presence of numerous sequential failed authentication attempts within the logs. Attackers systematically try many username/password combinations until one succeeds, generating a high volume of login failures. The exhibit's logs would therefore display repeated unsuccessful login attempts, often from a single source IP address or targeting a specific user account, directly satisfying the constraint of log evidence for this attack type.
- ✗
Port scan
Why it's wrong here
Port scans involve attempts on multiple ports, not just SSH.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
SQL
SQL is a standardized programming language used to manage and manipulate relational databases, enabling querying, updating, and data retrieval.
Key term
Phishing
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where criminals impersonate legitimate organizations or individuals to trick victims into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal data.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.