CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
During a penetration test, the tester has obtained a foothold on an internal server. The tester wants to identify other systems on the network and find potential targets for lateral movement. Which type of reconnaissance is MOST appropriate in this scenario?
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
✓
Internal network scanning with Nmap
Active reconnaissance on internal networks (e.g., port scanning, OS fingerprinting) is appropriate after gaining a foothold, as it provides detailed information about adjacent systems. Passive reconnaissance (like sniffing) might be stealthier but active scanning is more effective for mapping.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Internal network scanning with Nmap
Why this is correct
Nmap can scan internal IP ranges to discover live hosts and services.
- ✗
OSINT gathering via Shodan
Why it's wrong here
OSINT is external reconnaissance; internal scanning is needed.
- ✗
Social engineering attacks on employees
Why it's wrong here
Social engineering targets people, not network mapping.
- ✗
Passive sniffing with Wireshark
Why it's wrong here
Passive sniffing can reveal some hosts but is slower and less comprehensive than active scanning.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 968 original CAS-005 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
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.