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
SYN scanning across multiple ports with RST replies for closed ports and silence for open ones is active port probing, gathering information about live services before exploitation. This maps to Reconnaissance, the first Cyber Kill Chain phase, where adversaries enumerate the target's attack surface.
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Weaponisation
Why it's wrong here
Weaponisation pairs an exploit with a deliverable payload, such as a malicious document, and happens entirely on the attacker's infrastructure. The SYN sweep is network probing of the target, not payload creation. Weaponisation would be correct if the analyst observed a crafted exploit artefact being prepared.
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Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation is the phase where a vulnerability is actually triggered to gain code execution or access. The SYN scan only maps open and closed ports; no vulnerability is exercised. Exploitation would be correct once the attacker sends a crafted request that leverages a specific weakness on a discovered service.
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Delivery
Why it's wrong here
Delivery covers transmitting the weaponised payload to the victim, such as email attachments or malicious USB media. The SYN sweep is reconnaissance traffic probing which ports are open, occurring before any payload is sent. Delivery would be the correct phase once an actual exploit or malware is being conveyed to the target.
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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.