- A
Application logs
Why wrong: Application logs are application-specific and may not capture network or file access events.
- B
File server audit logs
File server audit logs track file access, copies, and movements, which are key for detecting exfiltration.
- C
System logs
Why wrong: System logs record OS events, which may not directly show data exfiltration.
- D
Firewall logs
Firewall logs show outbound connections and data transfer patterns.
- E
DNS logs
Why wrong: DNS logs can show domain lookups but are less direct for exfiltration than firewall or file logs.
Question 999 of 1,000
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring, and analysis. 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 is reviewing logs for signs of data exfiltration. Which TWO log sources would provide the most relevant evidence? (Choose TWO.)
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
✓
File server audit logs
File server audit logs track access to files, including reads, copies, and modifications, which directly indicate data exfiltration attempts. Firewall logs record outbound connections, destination IPs, and data volumes, revealing unauthorized data transfers to external hosts. Together, they provide both the source and destination evidence needed to confirm exfiltration.
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.
- ✗
Application logs
Why it's wrong here
Application logs are application-specific and may not capture network or file access events.
- ✓
File server audit logs
Why this is correct
File server audit logs track file access, copies, and movements, which are key for detecting exfiltration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
System logs
Why it's wrong here
System logs record OS events, which may not directly show data exfiltration.
- ✓
Firewall logs
Why this is correct
Firewall logs show outbound connections and data transfer patterns.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
DNS logs
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that DNS logs alone can detect exfiltration, but DNS queries only show domain lookups, not the actual data transfer, and attackers can use DNS tunneling to hide data in queries, making firewall logs essential for spotting anomalous outbound traffic patterns.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
System logs record OS events, which may not directly show data exfiltration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
File server audit logs leverage Windows SACL or Linux auditd to record file operations with details like user SID, file path, and access mask (e.g., 0x20089 for READ_CONTROL). Firewall logs (e.g., from iptables or Palo Alto) include session tuples (source/dest IP, port, protocol) and byte counts, enabling detection of large outbound transfers via netflow or syslog. In a real-world scenario, an attacker copying a database file to a remote server would generate both a file read event and a high-volume outbound connection, correlating the two logs confirms exfiltration.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
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Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: File server audit logs — File server audit logs track access to files, including reads, copies, and modifications, which directly indicate data exfiltration attempts. Firewall logs record outbound connections, destination IPs, and data volumes, revealing unauthorized data transfers to external hosts. Together, they provide both the source and destination evidence needed to confirm exfiltration.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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