200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
A security analyst is identifying potential vulnerabilities in the network. Which TWO of the following are examples of passive reconnaissance?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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.
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.
- ✓
WHOIS lookup
Why this is correct
WHOIS queries public domain registration data.
- ✗
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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