- A
Low number of packets per flow
Port scanners often send single SYN packets per connection attempt, resulting in low packet counts.
- B
Flows with SYN flag set but no subsequent SYN-ACK or RST
This indicates incomplete handshakes typical of scans.
- C
Multiple connection attempts from the same source IP to the same destination IP on different ports
Why wrong: Again, vertical scan.
- D
Single source IP, multiple destination ports on one destination IP
Why wrong: This describes a vertical port scan, not horizontal.
- E
Single source IP, same destination port, multiple destination IPs
This is the classic horizontal scan pattern.
Question 252 of 1,000
200-201 Security Monitoring Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security monitoring. 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 investigating a potential port scan. Which THREE patterns in NetFlow data would indicate a horizontal port scan?
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
✓
Low number of packets per flow
A horizontal port scan targets the same port across multiple destination IPs. In NetFlow, each connection attempt typically involves a low number of packets (often just a SYN) because the scanner does not complete the TCP handshake. This pattern of low packet counts per flow is a strong indicator of scanning activity.
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.
- ✓
Low number of packets per flow
Why this is correct
Port scanners often send single SYN packets per connection attempt, resulting in low packet counts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Flows with SYN flag set but no subsequent SYN-ACK or RST
Why this is correct
This indicates incomplete handshakes typical of scans.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Multiple connection attempts from the same source IP to the same destination IP on different ports
Why it's wrong here
Again, vertical scan.
- ✗
Single source IP, multiple destination ports on one destination IP
Why it's wrong here
This describes a vertical port scan, not horizontal.
- ✓
Single source IP, same destination port, multiple destination IPs
Why this is correct
This is the classic horizontal scan pattern.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between horizontal and vertical scans: the trap is confusing 'same destination port, multiple destination IPs' (horizontal) with 'multiple destination ports, same destination IP' (vertical).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A horizontal port scan (e.g., scanning port 443 across a subnet) generates many flows with a single SYN packet and no completion of the three-way handshake. NetFlow records these as flows with very few packets (often 1-2) and no subsequent SYN-ACK or RST. In contrast, a vertical scan targets many ports on a single host, producing flows with different destination ports but the same destination IP.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Security Monitoring — This question tests Security Monitoring — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Low number of packets per flow — A horizontal port scan targets the same port across multiple destination IPs. In NetFlow, each connection attempt typically involves a low number of packets (often just a SYN) because the scanner does not complete the TCP handshake. This pattern of low packet counts per flow is a strong indicator of scanning activity.
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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