Quick Answer
The answer is -T0, the Paranoid timing template, because it is specifically designed for nmap timing template IDS evasion by introducing extreme delays of up to five minutes between probe transmissions. This ultra-slow scan rate prevents the rapid, sequential connection attempts that signature-based and anomaly-based intrusion detection systems are tuned to flag, effectively blending the scan into normal network noise. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your understanding of how timing templates affect stealth versus speed, with a common trap being the selection of -T1 (Sneaky) which is still too fast for reliable evasion. Remember the memory tip: “Paranoid pauses, Sneaky still speaks”—only -T0 is slow enough to avoid triggering an IDS alert.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 wants to perform a network scan that minimizes the chance of detection by an intrusion detection system (IDS). Which Nmap timing template is MOST appropriate?
-T0
T0 (paranoid) is the slowest template, designed to avoid detection by rate-based IDS alerts.
-T3
Why wrong: T3 (normal) is the default and may be detected by an IDS due to normal scan rates.
-T5
Why wrong: T5 (insane) is extremely fast and very likely to trigger IDS alerts.
-T2
Why wrong: T2 (polite) slows down scanning but is still faster than T0 and may not be sufficient for stealth.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
-T0
The -T0 (Paranoid) timing template is the most appropriate for minimizing detection by an IDS because it introduces extreme delays between packet transmissions (up to 5 minutes between probes) and uses a very slow scan rate. This makes the scan traffic blend into normal network noise, reducing the likelihood of triggering signature-based or anomaly-based IDS alerts that rely on detecting rapid, sequential connection attempts.
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.
-T0
Why this is correct
T0 (paranoid) is the slowest template, designed to avoid detection by rate-based IDS alerts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
-T3
Why it's wrong here
T3 (normal) is the default and may be detected by an IDS due to normal scan rates.
-T5
Why it's wrong here
T5 (insane) is extremely fast and very likely to trigger IDS alerts.
-T2
Why it's wrong here
T2 (polite) slows down scanning but is still faster than T0 and may not be sufficient for stealth.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often choose -T2 (Polite) thinking it is slow enough to evade detection, but they fail to recognize that -T0 is the only template specifically designed for IDS evasion with delays measured in minutes, not seconds.
Detailed technical explanation
Nmap timing templates control parameters such as initial RTT timeout, minimum RTT timeout, maximum retransmission count, and scan delay. The -T0 template sets a minimum scan delay of 5 minutes (300 seconds) and uses a very high initial RTT timeout (300 seconds), effectively serializing probes and making the scan appear as isolated, sporadic traffic. In real-world scenarios, -T0 is impractical for large networks but useful for evading stateful firewalls and IDS that track connection rates, as the extreme slowness prevents the IDS from correlating the probes into a coherent scan event.
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: -T0 — The -T0 (Paranoid) timing template is the most appropriate for minimizing detection by an IDS because it introduces extreme delays between packet transmissions (up to 5 minutes between probes) and uses a very slow scan rate. This makes the scan traffic blend into normal network noise, reducing the likelihood of triggering signature-based or anomaly-based IDS alerts that rely on detecting rapid, sequential connection attempts.
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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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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