200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
A security analyst is investigating a potential data breach. Which two actions are examples of passive reconnaissance? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Searching for employee information on LinkedIn
Passive reconnaissance involves gathering information without directly interacting with the target. WHOIS lookups and searching job postings are passive. Port scanning and social engineering are active.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Performing a port scan on the company's web server
Why it's wrong here
Port scanning is active reconnaissance.
- ✓
Searching for employee information on LinkedIn
Why this is correct
LinkedIn is a public source, passive.
- ✗
Using a ping sweep to identify live hosts
Why it's wrong here
Ping sweep is active.
- ✓
Conducting a WHOIS lookup on the company domain
Why this is correct
WHOIS is a public database lookup, no direct interaction.
- ✗
Sending a phishing email to employees
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is an active attack.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.