- A
Brute-forcing SSH credentials
Why wrong: Wireshark does not perform brute-force; it's a sniffer.
- B
Identifying cleartext protocols (e.g., FTP, HTTP) and extracting credentials
Correct: Wireshark can filter and display cleartext passwords.
- C
Performing active vulnerability scanning of hosts
Why wrong: Wireshark is passive; it does not scan.
- D
Reassembling data streams to extract files transferred over the network
Correct: Wireshark can follow TCP streams and export objects.
- E
Cracking WPA2 handshakes directly
Why wrong: Wireshark does not crack; it can only capture handshakes.
Question 725 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 is analyzing a network capture with Wireshark. Which TWO of the following are common uses of Wireshark in a pentest?
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
✓
Identifying cleartext protocols (e.g., FTP, HTTP) and extracting credentials
Wireshark captures and inspects network traffic at the packet level. It can identify cleartext protocols like FTP (port 21) and HTTP (port 80), which transmit data without encryption, allowing an attacker to extract credentials directly from the payload. This is a passive reconnaissance technique, not an active attack.
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.
- ✗
Brute-forcing SSH credentials
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark does not perform brute-force; it's a sniffer.
- ✓
Identifying cleartext protocols (e.g., FTP, HTTP) and extracting credentials
Why this is correct
Correct: Wireshark can filter and display cleartext passwords.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Performing active vulnerability scanning of hosts
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark is passive; it does not scan.
- ✓
Reassembling data streams to extract files transferred over the network
Why this is correct
Correct: Wireshark can follow TCP streams and export objects.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Cracking WPA2 handshakes directly
Why it's wrong here
Wireshark does not crack; it can only capture handshakes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between passive observation (Wireshark) and active exploitation (e.g., brute-forcing or cracking), leading candidates to mistakenly attribute active attacks to Wireshark's capabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Wireshark's 'Follow TCP Stream' feature reassembles application-layer data from multiple packets, enabling extraction of files transferred via protocols like FTP or HTTP. In a real-world pentest, this is used to recover sensitive documents or payloads from unencrypted traffic. Additionally, Wireshark can decode protocols like SMB and TFTP, but it relies on the user to manually analyze or export objects (e.g., via 'Export Objects' menu).
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach 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.
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Tools and Code Analysis — study guide chapter
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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: Identifying cleartext protocols (e.g., FTP, HTTP) and extracting credentials — Wireshark captures and inspects network traffic at the packet level. It can identify cleartext protocols like FTP (port 21) and HTTP (port 80), which transmit data without encryption, allowing an attacker to extract credentials directly from the payload. This is a passive reconnaissance technique, not an active attack.
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.
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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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