The correct approach is to remove the final search command and instead filter on closed_txn=0. This works because closed_txn is a transaction field that indicates whether a transaction was properly closed (value of 1) or evicted (value of 0); by filtering for closed_txn=0, you directly isolate all failed login attempts that never culminated in a successful login. On the Splunk SPLK-1003 exam, this tests your understanding of how the transaction command handles evicted events and the distinction between filtering on duration versus the closed_txn field—a common trap is assuming that removing keepevicted or adjusting maxspan will solve the problem, when in fact those options either discard or still allow eviction. Remember the memory tip: closed_txn=0 means the transaction was “closed out” before completion, so it’s your direct path to failures.
SPLK-1003 Transactions and Event Correlation Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of transactions and event correlation. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
```spl
index=security sourcetype=authentication
| transaction user startswith="Failed login" endswith="Successful login" maxpause=10m keepevicted=true
| search duration>0
```
Refer to the exhibit. The search returns only transactions that ended with successful login. The administrator wants to see all failed login attempts that did not lead to a success. What is the most efficient approach?
Refer to the exhibit.
```spl
index=security sourcetype=authentication
| transaction user startswith="Failed login" endswith="Successful login" maxpause=10m keepevicted=true
| search duration>0
```
A
Replace the search with | where closed_txn=0.
Why wrong: closed_txn is not a standard field; evicted transactions have a closed_txn field of 0 only if keepevicted is true, but the search still filters duration>0.
B
Increase maxpause to 30m.
Why wrong: Increasing maxpause may keep more events but does not guarantee that all failed logins are captured as separate transactions.
C
Remove the final search command and instead filter on closed_txn=0.
With keepevicted=true, evicted (unclosed) transactions have closed_txn=0; filtering on that shows all failed login attempts.
D
Remove the keepevicted=true option.
Why wrong: Without keepevicted, evicted transactions are dropped, so failures would be lost.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Remove the final search command and instead filter on closed_txn=0.
Option D is correct because the search filters out evicted transactions with duration>0; removing that search and using duration<0 or adding a filter for evicted events would show failures. Option A is false because removing keepevicted would drop evicted transactions. Option B is false because adding maxspan may still evict. Option C is false because it would include all transactions but still filter out evicted ones.
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.
✗
Replace the search with | where closed_txn=0.
Why it's wrong here
closed_txn is not a standard field; evicted transactions have a closed_txn field of 0 only if keepevicted is true, but the search still filters duration>0.
✗
Increase maxpause to 30m.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing maxpause may keep more events but does not guarantee that all failed logins are captured as separate transactions.
✓
Remove the final search command and instead filter on closed_txn=0.
Why this is correct
With keepevicted=true, evicted (unclosed) transactions have closed_txn=0; filtering on that shows all failed login attempts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Remove the keepevicted=true option.
Why it's wrong here
Without keepevicted, evicted transactions are dropped, so failures would be lost.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the SPLK-1003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Transactions and Event Correlation — This question tests Transactions and Event Correlation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove the final search command and instead filter on closed_txn=0. — Option D is correct because the search filters out evicted transactions with duration>0; removing that search and using duration<0 or adding a filter for evicted events would show failures. Option A is false because removing keepevicted would drop evicted transactions. Option B is false because adding maxspan may still evict. Option C is false because it would include all transactions but still filter out evicted ones.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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