The answer is multiple connection attempts from the same source to different ports on the same destination, along with ICMP echo requests sent to multiple hosts. These two indicators are correct because they directly correspond to the two primary types of network scans: a port scan, which probes for open services by sending connection requests to various ports on a single target, and a ping sweep, which uses ICMP echo requests to identify live hosts across a range of IP addresses. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish reconnaissance traffic from normal activity, often appearing in scenarios where you must analyze packet captures or logs for signs of network scanning. A common trap is confusing a single failed connection with a scan, but remember that scanning involves systematic, repeated attempts. For a quick memory tip, think “same source, many ports” for port scans and “many destinations, one ping” for ping sweeps.
200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are indicators of a network scan?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ICMP echo requests to multiple hosts
Option B is correct because ICMP echo requests (ping sweeps) sent to multiple hosts are a classic reconnaissance technique used to identify live hosts on a network. This type of scan maps the network topology before launching further attacks, and it is a clear indicator of network scanning activity.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Single connection to a well-known port
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. A single connection is normal traffic.
✓
ICMP echo requests to multiple hosts
Why this is correct
Correct. This is a ping sweep to identify live hosts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DNS queries for many domains
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This may be reconnaissance but not a network scan per se.
✓
Multiple connection attempts from same source to different ports on same destination
Why this is correct
Correct. This is typical of a port scan.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Large number of SYN packets to a single port from multiple sources
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. This is characteristic of a SYN flood attack, not a scan.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a network scan (reconnaissance from a single source) and a denial-of-service attack (flood from multiple sources), so candidates may confuse option E (SYN flood) with a scan.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Network scans often use tools like Nmap, which can send ICMP echo requests (type 8) to a subnet to discover live hosts via ICMP echo replies (type 0). Firewalls may block ICMP, so attackers might use TCP SYN scans or UDP probes instead; the presence of ICMP echo requests to multiple hosts is a strong indicator of a ping sweep, especially when combined with other scan patterns.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ICMP echo requests to multiple hosts — Option B is correct because ICMP echo requests (ping sweeps) sent to multiple hosts are a classic reconnaissance technique used to identify live hosts on a network. This type of scan maps the network topology before launching further attacks, and it is a clear indicator of network scanning activity.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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