200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
During a network intrusion analysis, a security analyst observes repeated TCP SYN packets sent to a range of ports on a target host, each followed by an RST response. No subsequent ACK packets are observed. Which phase of the Cyber Kill Chain is the attacker most likely executing?
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 SYN scan is a reconnaissance technique used to identify open ports without completing the TCP handshake. The RST response indicates the port is closed, and the lack of ACK means the handshake was intentionally not completed, characteristic of a SYN scan.
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 scan is a reconnaissance activity to identify open ports and services.
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Delivery
Why it's wrong here
Delivery is the phase where the weaponized payload is sent to the target, not scanning.
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Weaponization
Why it's wrong here
Weaponization involves creating a deliverable payload, not scanning for open ports.
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Exploitation
Why it's wrong here
Exploitation occurs after a vulnerability is identified; scanning is preparatory.
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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.