The answer is index=security sourcetype=windows_security EventCode=4625 | rex field=Account "from (\d+\.\d+\.\d+\.\d+)" | top 10 ip. This search works because EventCode 4625 records failed logon attempts, and the source IP is embedded inside the Account field in the format "from x.x.x.x". The rex command extracts that IP using a regular expression, and top 10 then counts and ranks the most frequent source addresses. On the SPLK-1002 exam, this question tests your ability to combine filtering with field extraction and statistical commands—a common scenario when analyzing Windows security events. A frequent trap is forgetting that the IP is not a native field but must be extracted from Account, or misusing the rex syntax. To remember this, think of the three-step pipeline: filter the event, extract the hidden IP with rex, then top it off with top.
SPLK-1002 Splunk Basics and Interface Navigation Practice Question
This SPLK-1002 practice question tests your understanding of splunk basics and interface navigation. 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 search using index=security sourcetype=windows_security returns events with EventCode=4625. The user wants to find the top 10 source IP addresses. Which search will accomplish this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
index=security sourcetype=windows_security EventCode=4625 | rex field=Account "from (\d+\.\d+\.\d+\.\d+)" | top 10 ip
Option A is correct because it first filters for EventCode=4625 (failed logon events), then uses a regular expression with `rex` to extract the source IP address from the `Account` field (which in Windows security logs for event 4625 contains the source IP in the format 'from x.x.x.x'), and finally uses `top 10` to display the ten most frequent IP addresses. This directly answers the user's requirement to find the top 10 source IP addresses from the failed logon events.
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.
✓
index=security sourcetype=windows_security EventCode=4625 | rex field=Account "from (\d+\.\d+\.\d+\.\d+)" | top 10 ip
Why this is correct
This extracts the IP from the Account field and then finds top 10.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
index=security sourcetype=windows_security EventCode=4625 | top 10 Account
Why it's wrong here
Account is not the source IP.
✗
index=security sourcetype=windows_security | top 10 src_ip
Why it's wrong here
src_ip may not be a field; also missing EventCode filter.
✗
index=security sourcetype=windows_security EventCode=4625 | table Account | top 10
Why it's wrong here
table removes other fields, and top on a table is invalid.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the source IP is stored in a dedicated field like `src_ip` or `source_ip` in Windows security logs, but in reality for event 4625, the IP is embedded within the `Account` field and must be extracted using regex.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Windows security event 4625, the source IP address is not stored in a dedicated field like `src_ip`; instead, it appears within the `Account` field as part of a string such as 'from 192.168.1.100'. The `rex` command with the pattern `from (\d+\.\d+\.\d+\.\d+)` extracts the IP into a new field named `ip`, which is then used by `top`. This regex matches IPv4 addresses in dotted-decimal notation, and the parentheses create a capturing group that becomes the value of the `ip` field. Without this extraction, the `top` command would operate on the raw `Account` string, which includes the username and other text, not the IP alone.
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 practitioner preparing for the SPLK-1002 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Splunk Basics and Interface Navigation — This question tests Splunk Basics and Interface Navigation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: index=security sourcetype=windows_security EventCode=4625 | rex field=Account "from (\d+\.\d+\.\d+\.\d+)" | top 10 ip — Option A is correct because it first filters for EventCode=4625 (failed logon events), then uses a regular expression with `rex` to extract the source IP address from the `Account` field (which in Windows security logs for event 4625 contains the source IP in the format 'from x.x.x.x'), and finally uses `top 10` to display the ten most frequent IP addresses. This directly answers the user's requirement to find the top 10 source IP addresses from the failed logon events.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1002 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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This SPLK-1002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Splunk 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 SPLK-1002 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.