- A
nmap -sS -sV -sC 192.168.1.10
Correct. SYN scan, version detection, and default scripts.
- B
nmap -sT -sV -sC 192.168.1.10
Why wrong: This uses TCP connect scan, which is slower and more detectable than SYN scan.
- C
nmap -A 192.168.1.10
Why wrong: Aggressive scan includes OS detection, version, scripts, and traceroute, but may be too loud.
- D
nmap -sS -O 192.168.1.10
Why wrong: This scans with OS detection but no version or script scanning.
Question 55 of 1,000
PT0-002 Tools and Code Analysis Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code 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.
A penetration tester has been given a target IP address and needs to quickly determine which services are running on the target. Which Nmap option should the tester use to perform a SYN scan with service version detection and default NSE scripts?
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
✓
nmap -sS -sV -sC 192.168.1.10
Option A is correct because the -sS flag initiates a SYN stealth scan, -sV enables service version detection by probing open ports to determine application and version information, and -sC runs the default set of NSE scripts for common enumeration tasks. Together, these three options fulfill the requirement to quickly identify running services with version details and additional script-based reconnaissance, all while using a half-open TCP scan to minimize log generation.
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.
- ✓
nmap -sS -sV -sC 192.168.1.10
Why this is correct
Correct. SYN scan, version detection, and default scripts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
nmap -sT -sV -sC 192.168.1.10
Why it's wrong here
This uses TCP connect scan, which is slower and more detectable than SYN scan.
- ✗
nmap -A 192.168.1.10
Why it's wrong here
Aggressive scan includes OS detection, version, scripts, and traceroute, but may be too loud.
- ✗
nmap -sS -O 192.168.1.10
Why it's wrong here
This scans with OS detection but no version or script scanning.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose -A (Option C) thinking it is a shortcut for all necessary scans, but it does not guarantee a SYN scan and includes extra features like OS detection and traceroute that are not requested, while the question explicitly requires a SYN scan with version detection and default scripts, which is precisely achieved by combining -sS, -sV, and -sC.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The SYN scan (-sS) works by sending a TCP SYN packet to a port and analyzing the response: a SYN/ACK indicates the port is open, while an RST indicates closed; the scanner never completes the handshake, reducing the chance of being logged by the target's application. Service version detection (-sV) uses a series of probes defined in the nmap-service-probes file to elicit responses from open ports, matching them against a signature database to identify the exact service and version, which is critical for vulnerability assessment. The default NSE scripts (-sC) include categories like safe, default, and auth, performing tasks such as HTTP title grabbing, SMB enumeration, and SSL certificate retrieval, providing a broad initial reconnaissance without requiring custom script selection.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nmap -sS -sV -sC 192.168.1.10 — Option A is correct because the -sS flag initiates a SYN stealth scan, -sV enables service version detection by probing open ports to determine application and version information, and -sC runs the default set of NSE scripts for common enumeration tasks. Together, these three options fulfill the requirement to quickly identify running services with version details and additional script-based reconnaissance, all while using a half-open TCP scan to minimize log generation.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 exam.
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