hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
2025-04-10 14:23:45 DENY TCP 192.168.1.50:49152 -> 203.0.113.50:445 SYN_SENT OUTBOUND
Refer to the exhibit. A firewall log shows repeated outbound connection attempts from an internal workstation (192.168.1.50) to an external IP (203.0.113.50) on TCP port 445. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
A worm or malware exploiting SMB
Port 445 is SMB. Outbound SMB attempts often indicate a worm or malware trying to propagate. Web browsing uses 80/443. File sharing is typically internal. DNS uses 53.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A worm or malware exploiting SMB
Why this is correct
Outbound SMB traffic to external IP suggests propagation.
- ✗
A misconfigured DNS client
Why it's wrong here
DNS uses port 53.
- ✗
A user browsing the web
Why it's wrong here
Web browsing uses ports 80 and 443.
- ✗
A legitimate file share connection
Why it's wrong here
File shares are typically internal, not external.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.