200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
A security analyst observes a large number of SYN packets sent to various ports on a target host, receiving RST responses for closed ports and no response for open ports. Which phase of the Cyber Kill Chain does this activity represent?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Reconnaissance and Weaponisation, where candidates mistakenly think that sending crafted packets (SYN) is part of weaponisation, but weaponisation specifically involves creating the exploit or payload, not the scanning activity.
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
✓
Reconnaissance
The observed behavior—sending a large number of SYN packets to various ports and analyzing RST responses (closed ports) versus no response (open ports)—is a classic port scan, specifically a SYN scan. This activity maps the target's attack surface by identifying live hosts and open ports, which aligns with the Reconnaissance phase of the Cyber Kill Chain, where the adversary gathers information to plan an attack.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Reconnaissance
Why this is correct
Port scanning is a reconnaissance technique to identify vulnerabilities.
- ✗
Weaponisation
Why it's wrong here
Weaponisation involves coupling exploit code with a delivery mechanism, not scanning.
- ✗
Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation occurs after delivery and involves triggering the exploit.
- ✗
Delivery
Why it's wrong here
Delivery is the transmission of the weapon to the target, not scanning.
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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.