CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
A penetration tester is planning a test against a web application. The rules of engagement specify that the tester must not disrupt production services. Which TWO reconnaissance techniques are considered passive and would be appropriate for initial information gathering without impacting the target? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
WHOIS lookup on the domain
OSINT uses publicly available information and WHOIS queries are passive, as they do not interact with the target system directly.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Port scanning the target network
Why it's wrong here
Port scanning is active reconnaissance and may impact the target.
- ✗
Vulnerability scanning
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scanning is active and may cause disruptions.
- ✗
Social engineering attacks
Why it's wrong here
Social engineering is active and may be disruptive.
- ✓
WHOIS lookup on the domain
Why this is correct
WHOIS queries are passive and use public databases.
- ✓
OSINT gathering from public sources
Why this is correct
OSINT is passive and uses public data.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.