200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
During PCAP analysis, a security analyst observes the following pattern: a series of TCP SYN packets to multiple ports on a target, followed by RST packets from the target for closed ports. Which TWO characteristics describe this scan?
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
✓
It is a SYN scan
The SYN scan sends SYN packets and listens for SYN-ACK (open) or RST (closed). It is a stealthy scan because it doesn't complete the TCP handshake.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It uses ICMP echo requests
Why it's wrong here
ICMP is used for ping sweeps, not port scanning.
- ✓
It is a SYN scan
Why this is correct
SYN packets are sent to probe ports.
- ✗
It is a UDP scan
Why it's wrong here
UDP scans send UDP packets, not SYN.
- ✗
It completes the TCP three-way handshake
Why it's wrong here
SYN scan typically does not complete the handshake; it sends RST after SYN-ACK.
- ✓
It is a stealthy scan that may avoid logging
Why this is correct
Since the handshake is not completed, some services may not log the connection.
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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.