The answer is a successful RDP connection. This is the most likely scenario because the log shows a single established session from source IP 10.0.0.5 to destination port 3389 with a success indicator like “Session established,” which directly confirms remote access rather than a failed attempt. In RDP connection log interpretation, a brute force attack would generate numerous failed authentication events, while a port scan would show connection attempts to many ports, not just 3389. On the SSCP exam, this tests your ability to distinguish between lateral movement indicators and reconnaissance or credential-stuffing patterns—a common trap is confusing a single success with a brute force, but remember that attackers often use one successful RDP hop to pivot internally. Memory tip: “One session, one success—think lateral, not guess.”
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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
Jan 15 10:35:22 192.168.1.1 10.0.0.2 TCP_SYN 192.168.1.100:31456 -> 10.0.0.2:3389
Jan 15 10:35:22 192.168.1.1 10.0.0.2 TCP_SYN_ACK 10.0.0.2:3389 -> 192.168.1.100:31456
Jan 15 10:35:23 192.168.1.1 10.0.0.2 TCP_ACK 192.168.1.100:31456 -> 10.0.0.2:3389
Jan 15 10:35:24 192.168.1.1 10.0.0.2 TCP_FIN 192.168.1.100:31456 -> 10.0.0.2:3389
Refer to the exhibit. An analyst sees these logs and is concerned about a potential attack. What is the most likely scenario?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Successful RDP connection
The log shows a successful RDP connection (source IP 10.0.0.5, destination port 3389, with 'Session established' or similar success indicator). RDP is a common target for lateral movement after initial compromise, and a single successful connection from an external IP to an internal host is a strong indicator of an attacker gaining remote access, not a brute force attempt (which would show multiple failures) or a scan (which would show many ports).
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.
✗
Denial of service (DoS)
Why it's wrong here
A DoS would flood with SYNs without completing handshakes, leading to incomplete connections.
✗
SSH brute force
Why it's wrong here
SSH uses port 22, not 3389, and brute force would show multiple authentication attempts, not just a handshake.
✓
Successful RDP connection
Why this is correct
The full handshake and FIN indicate a normal RDP session to port 3389.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Port scan
Why it's wrong here
A port scan typically shows multiple SYNs to different ports with incomplete handshakes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see a single connection to a common service and assume it is a brute force or scan, but the key is the 'successful' indicator—brute force attacks show failures, and scans show multiple attempts, not a single established session.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SSH uses port 22, not 3389, and brute force would show multiple authentication attempts, not just a handshake.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) uses TCP port 3389 by default and, when successful, logs a 'Session established' event in Windows Security Event Log (Event ID 4624 for logon, with Logon Type 10 for RDP). Attackers often use RDP for lateral movement after compromising credentials, and a single successful external RDP connection to an internal host is a classic sign of an attacker using stolen credentials to access the network remotely. In real-world scenarios, this could be followed by privilege escalation or data 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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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.
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Successful RDP connection — The log shows a successful RDP connection (source IP 10.0.0.5, destination port 3389, with 'Session established' or similar success indicator). RDP is a common target for lateral movement after initial compromise, and a single successful connection from an external IP to an internal host is a strong indicator of an attacker gaining remote access, not a brute force attempt (which would show multiple failures) or a scan (which would show many ports).
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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