200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
During network intrusion analysis, an analyst reviews logs and observes an alert for a TCP SYN scan. Which characteristic of a SYN scan would the analyst look for in packet captures?
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
✓
The scan sends SYN packets and, upon receiving SYN-ACK, sends RST packets.
A SYN scan sends a SYN packet and, upon receiving a SYN-ACK from the target, responds with a RST instead of completing the handshake. This avoids a full connection and is stealthier.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The scan sends SYN packets and expects ICMP unreachable messages for open ports.
Why it's wrong here
ICMP unreachable indicates closed/filtered ports, not open.
- ✗
The scan sends SYN packets and waits for a timeout on closed ports.
Why it's wrong here
SYN scan does not wait for timeout; it sends RST on SYN-ACK.
- ✓
The scan sends SYN packets and, upon receiving SYN-ACK, sends RST packets.
Why this is correct
Correct. SYN scan sends RST after SYN-ACK to avoid establishing a full connection.
- ✗
The scan sends SYN packets and completes the three-way handshake for open ports.
Why it's wrong here
Completing the handshake is a full connect scan, not SYN scan.
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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.