- A
Vulnerability scan
Why wrong: Vulnerability scanning actively probes systems.
- B
Google search for company information
Google search uses public data without interacting with the target network.
- C
WHOIS lookup
WHOIS queries public domain registration data.
- D
Ping sweep
Why wrong: Ping sweep sends packets to hosts, active reconnaissance.
- E
Port scanning
Why wrong: Port scanning is active reconnaissance.
Question 765 of 1,000
200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. 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 security analyst is identifying potential vulnerabilities in the network. Which TWO of the following are examples of passive reconnaissance?
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
✓
Google search for company information
Passive reconnaissance involves gathering information without directly interacting with the target systems. A Google search for company information (Option B) collects publicly available data from search engine caches and indexed pages, which does not send any packets to the target's network. A WHOIS lookup (Option C) queries public registration databases for domain ownership and contact details, again without touching the target's infrastructure. Both methods rely on third-party sources and leave no trace on the target's systems.
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.
- ✗
Vulnerability scan
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning actively probes systems.
- ✓
Google search for company information
Why this is correct
Google search uses public data without interacting with the target network.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
WHOIS lookup
Why this is correct
WHOIS queries public domain registration data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Ping sweep
Why it's wrong here
Ping sweep sends packets to hosts, active reconnaissance.
- ✗
Port scanning
Why it's wrong here
Port scanning is active reconnaissance.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between passive and active reconnaissance by including 'vulnerability scan' as a distractor, because candidates may mistakenly think it is passive since it can be run with minimal privileges, but it always involves direct interaction with the target.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Passive reconnaissance often leverages OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) sources such as Shodan, Censys, or DNS records (e.g., using `dig` for AXFR transfers). A subtle behavior is that even passive methods like WHOIS can become semi-active if the query triggers a rate limit or logging on the registrar's server, but in the context of the target's own network, no direct interaction occurs. In real-world engagements, passive recon is used first to map the attack surface without alerting defenders, while active techniques are reserved for later stages.
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 200-201 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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Google search for company information — Passive reconnaissance involves gathering information without directly interacting with the target systems. A Google search for company information (Option B) collects publicly available data from search engine caches and indexed pages, which does not send any packets to the target's network. A WHOIS lookup (Option C) queries public registration databases for domain ownership and contact details, again without touching the target's infrastructure. Both methods rely on third-party sources and leave no trace on the target's systems.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 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.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 200-201 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 200-201 exam.
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