mediumMultiple Choice
CS0-003 Authenticated scanning Practice Question
A scan of Windows servers reports few findings, but the scanner used no credentials. The security manager suspects missing patch data. What should be changed to validate the findings before closing or downgrading them?
⚠ Common exam trap
The CS0-004 exam often tests the misconception that unauthenticated scans are sufficient for vulnerability management, when in fact they miss the majority of patch-related findings that require credentialed access.
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
✓
Run authenticated scans using least-privilege scanner credentials
Unauthenticated scans rely on network-level probes and can only detect vulnerabilities visible without credentials, such as open ports or banner information. Patch status for Windows servers requires authenticated access to query the registry, WMI, or the Windows Update API. Using least-privilege scanner credentials enables the scanner to perform authenticated checks, revealing missing patches that were previously hidden.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Run authenticated scans using least-privilege scanner credentials
Why this is correct
Authenticated scanning gives the scanner access to installed software and patch state, improving accuracy.
- ✗
Trust the unauthenticated result as complete
Why it's wrong here
Unauthenticated scans commonly miss local configuration and patch data.
- ✗
Disable host firewalls permanently
Why it's wrong here
This is unnecessary and creates risk.
- ✗
Increase only the port range
Why it's wrong here
More ports will not reveal installed patch levels reliably.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CS0-004 question is part of Courseiva's 701-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CS0-004 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 CS0-004 exam.