350-701 Security Concepts Practice Question
An attacker uses a tool to scan a target network for open ports and running services. Which type of reconnaissance does this represent?
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
✓
Active scanning
Active reconnaissance involves direct interaction with the target, such as port scanning, to gather information.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Active scanning
Why this is correct
Correct answer. Active scanning sends packets to the target to identify open ports and services.
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DNS cache poisoning
Why it's wrong here
DNS cache poisoning is an attack that corrupts DNS cache, not a reconnaissance technique.
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Social engineering
Why it's wrong here
Social engineering manipulates people to divulge information, not scanning.
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Passive OSINT
Why it's wrong here
Passive OSINT collects information without directly interacting with the target, e.g., social media searches.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 350-701 exam.