200-201 Security Concepts Practice Question
A security engineer is analyzing a recent data breach. Which TWO are examples of active reconnaissance techniques? (Select 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
✓
Port scanning
Active reconnaissance involves direct interaction with the target. Port scanning and ping sweeps are active; WHOIS and Google searches are passive.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Port scanning
Why this is correct
Port scanning directly probes open ports on a target system.
- ✓
Ping sweep
Why this is correct
Ping sweep sends ICMP echo requests to discover live hosts, directly interacting.
- ✗
LinkedIn profiling
Why it's wrong here
LinkedIn profiling uses public information, passive.
- ✗
WHOIS lookup
Why it's wrong here
WHOIS queries public databases, no direct interaction with the target.
- ✗
Google dorking
Why it's wrong here
Google dorking uses search engines, passive.
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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.