mediummultiple choiceObjective-mapped

A penetration tester is using theHarvester tool to gather information about a target domain. The tester wants to collect email addresses and subdomains from public search engines and PGP key servers. Which source is theHarvester commonly configured to use for this passive reconnaissance?

Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →

A penetration tester is using theHarvester tool to gather information about a target domain. The tester wants to collect email addresses and subdomains from public search engines and PGP key servers. Which source is theHarvester commonly configured to use for this passive reconnaissance?

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

Distractor review

Direct DNS zone transfer

DNS zone transfer is an active technique that requires querying the target's DNS server directly; theHarvester does not perform zone transfers by default.

B

Distractor review

Shodan

Shodan is an IoT search engine that can be used for passive reconnaissance, but theHarvester primarily uses search engines and PGP servers, not Shodan (unless explicitly configured via an API).

C

Distractor review

Baidu

Baidu is a search engine, but theHarvester's default common sources are Google, Bing, and PGP key servers. Baidu is not commonly used by default.

D

Best answer

Google and Bing search engines

theHarvester typically uses public search engines like Google and Bing, as well as PGP key servers, to find email addresses and subdomains in a passive manner.

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: Google and Bing search engines — theHarvester supports multiple sources including Google, Bing, and PGP key servers. It queries these sources without directly interacting with the target's infrastructure, making it a passive reconnaissance tool.

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.

Discussion

Loading comments…

Sign in to join the discussion.