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A penetration tester is using Hashcat to crack NTLM hashes obtained from a Windows system. The tester wants to use a rule-based attack to maximize cracking success. Which Hashcat mode should be used for NTLM hashes?

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A penetration tester is using Hashcat to crack NTLM hashes obtained from a Windows system. The tester wants to use a rule-based attack to maximize cracking success. Which Hashcat mode should be used for NTLM hashes?

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.

A

Best answer

-m 1000

Mode 1000 is specifically for NTLM hashes, which is the correct choice for cracking NTLM.

B

Distractor review

-m 1100

Mode 1100 is for Domain Cached Credentials (DCC), not NTLM.

C

Distractor review

-m 3000

Mode 3000 is for LM hashes, which are older and weaker than NTLM.

D

Distractor review

-m 5500

Mode 5500 is for NetNTLMv2, which is used in network authentication, not the stored hash.

Common exam trap

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.

Technical deep dive

How to think about this question

This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.

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.
  • Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.

TExam Day Tips

  • Underline the problem statement mentally.
  • 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.

Related practice questions

Related PT0-002 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

More questions from this exam

Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this PT0-002 question test?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: -m 1000 — Hashcat mode 1000 corresponds to NTLM hashes. Mode 1100 is for Domain Cached Credentials (MS Cache), mode 3000 is for LM hashes, and mode 5500 is for NetNTLMv2. Using the correct mode is essential for successful cracking.

What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?

Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.

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