200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
An analyst observes an alert triggered by a single SYN packet to a closed port. The packet did not complete a TCP handshake. What type of attack does this most likely indicate?
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
✓
SYN scan
A SYN scan sends SYN packets to target ports. If a RST is received, the port is closed. The incomplete handshake is characteristic of a SYN scan, not a full connection scan or DoS 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.
- ✓
SYN scan
Why this is correct
SYN scan sends SYN and expects SYN-ACK for open ports; RST indicates closed.
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TCP connect scan
Why it's wrong here
TCP connect scan completes the handshake.
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Ping sweep
Why it's wrong here
Ping sweep uses ICMP echo, not SYN.
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UDP scan
Why it's wrong here
UDP scans use UDP packets, not SYN.
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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.