The correct answer is to search for failed logon events (Event ID 4625) followed by successful logons (Event ID 4624) from the same account on different machines. This technique is effective because lateral movement often begins with an attacker using compromised credentials to attempt access on multiple systems, generating failed logons due to incorrect passwords or permissions, and then a successful logon once the correct credentials are used. On the SC-200 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish lateral movement from privilege escalation or data exfiltration, with a common trap being to confuse failed logons with brute-force attacks rather than recognizing the pattern of a single account hopping between workstations. To detect lateral movement using failed logon events, always correlate the source account and target machines within a short time window. Memory tip: think of it as “fail then trail” — a failed logon followed by a successful one on a different host often leaves a trail of lateral movement.
SC-200 Perform threat hunting Practice Question
This SC-200 practice question tests your understanding of perform threat hunting. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
During a threat hunt, an analyst notices multiple failed logon events from a single user account across different workstations within a short time window. Which hunting technique is most appropriate to detect potential lateral movement?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Search for failed logon events (Event ID 4625) followed by successful logon (Event ID 4624) from the same account on different machines.
Option A is correct because failed logons followed by successful logons from the same account can indicate lateral movement. Option B is wrong because it focuses on privilege escalation, not lateral movement. Option C is wrong because it's about data exfiltration. Option D is wrong because it's about account creation.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Search for multiple instances of special privileges assigned to new logon (Event ID 4672).
Why it's wrong here
This indicates privilege escalation, not lateral movement.
✗
Search for large outbound RDP connections from a single host.
Why it's wrong here
This might indicate data exfiltration, not lateral movement.
✓
Search for failed logon events (Event ID 4625) followed by successful logon (Event ID 4624) from the same account on different machines.
Why this is correct
This pattern indicates an attacker trying to move laterally after obtaining credentials.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Search for creation of new user accounts (Event ID 4720).
Why it's wrong here
This indicates account creation, not lateral movement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this SC-200 question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Perform threat hunting — This question tests Perform threat hunting — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Search for failed logon events (Event ID 4625) followed by successful logon (Event ID 4624) from the same account on different machines. — Option A is correct because failed logons followed by successful logons from the same account can indicate lateral movement. Option B is wrong because it focuses on privilege escalation, not lateral movement. Option C is wrong because it's about data exfiltration. Option D is wrong because it's about account creation.
What should I do if I get this SC-200 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SC-200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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