Quick Answer
The correct answers are Shodan and the WHOIS database because both rely on pre-existing, publicly available data rather than sending packets directly to the target’s network. Shodan functions as a search engine that continuously scans the internet and indexes banners, open ports, and service metadata from exposed devices; when a penetration tester queries Shodan for a target domain, they are simply searching that stored database, not actively probing the target. Similarly, WHOIS queries retrieve registration records from a central registry, providing domain ownership, registrar, and name server details without any direct network interaction. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish passive reconnaissance from active scanning—a common trap is confusing Shodan with an active tool like Nmap, but remember that Shodan’s data is collected by its own crawlers, not by your packets. A useful memory tip: “Passive means pre-collected—Shodan and WHOIS are your silent collectors.”
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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 performing passive reconnaissance against a target domain. Which of the following resources can be used to gather information about the target without directly sending packets to the target's network? (Select two.) (Choose 2.)
Shodan
Shodan aggregates data from active scans and makes it available for passive research.
Nmap
Why wrong: Nmap sends packets to the target, making it an active reconnaissance tool.
WHOIS database
WHOIS databases are public and can be queried for domain/IP information without contacting the target directly.
hping3
Why wrong: hping3 is an active packet crafting tool used for testing firewalls and gathering ICMP/TCP responses.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Shodan
Shodan is a search engine that scans the internet for devices and services, indexing banners and metadata from publicly exposed systems. Since it queries its own pre-collected database rather than sending packets to the target's network, it qualifies as passive reconnaissance. This allows a penetration tester to discover open ports, services, and even specific vulnerabilities associated with the target domain without direct interaction.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Shodan
Why this is correct
Shodan aggregates data from active scans and makes it available for passive research.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Nmap
Why it's wrong here
Nmap sends packets to the target, making it an active reconnaissance tool.
WHOIS database
Why this is correct
WHOIS databases are public and can be queried for domain/IP information without contacting the target directly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
hping3
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'passive' with 'stealthy' and incorrectly choose Nmap with options like -sS (stealth SYN scan), but any direct packet transmission to the target's network, regardless of stealth, constitutes active reconnaissance.
Detailed technical explanation
Passive reconnaissance relies on third-party data sources that have already collected information through their own scanning or public records. For example, Shodan's crawlers continuously probe IPv4 space and store service banners, so a tester can query 'hostname:target.com' to see historical data without alerting the target. WHOIS queries use port 43 (or web-based interfaces) to access registry databases, not the target's servers, making them truly passive. The key distinction is that no packets are sent to the target's own IP range or network devices.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Shodan — Shodan is a search engine that scans the internet for devices and services, indexing banners and metadata from publicly exposed systems. Since it queries its own pre-collected database rather than sending packets to the target's network, it qualifies as passive reconnaissance. This allows a penetration tester to discover open ports, services, and even specific vulnerabilities associated with the target domain without direct interaction.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A penetration tester is tasked with performing passive reconnaissance against a client without triggering any alerts. Which of the following techniques would be MOST appropriate?
easyWhy B: Shodan is a search engine that indexes banners from internet-facing devices, allowing a penetration tester to gather information about a client's exposed services (e.g., open ports, software versions) without sending any packets to the target. This makes it a purely passive technique that will not trigger any alerts on the client's network or intrusion detection systems.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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