- A
nmap -sS 192.168.1.0/24
Why wrong: -sS performs a SYN scan, which is a port scan, not just host discovery.
- B
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
-sn performs a ping sweep to determine which hosts are up without scanning ports.
- C
nmap -O 192.168.1.0/24
Why wrong: -O performs OS detection, which requires open ports and is not a host discovery method.
- D
nmap -A 192.168.1.0/24
Why wrong: -A enables aggressive scanning including OS detection, version detection, script scanning, and traceroute, which is overkill for simple host discovery.
Question 791 of 1,000
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
During a penetration test, a tester wants to discover all live hosts on a subnet without performing a full port scan. Which Nmap command is most appropriate for this purpose?
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
✓
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
The -sn flag performs a ping sweep (host discovery) without port scanning, which is the standard method to discover live hosts on a subnet efficiently.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
nmap -sS 192.168.1.0/24
Why it's wrong here
-sS performs a SYN scan, which is a port scan, not just host discovery.
- ✓
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
Why this is correct
-sn performs a ping sweep to determine which hosts are up without scanning ports.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
nmap -O 192.168.1.0/24
Why it's wrong here
-O performs OS detection, which requires open ports and is not a host discovery method.
- ✗
nmap -A 192.168.1.0/24
Why it's wrong here
-A enables aggressive scanning including OS detection, version detection, script scanning, and traceroute, which is overkill for simple host discovery.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PT0-002 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — This question tests Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24 — The -sn flag performs a ping sweep (host discovery) without port scanning, which is the standard method to discover live hosts on a subnet efficiently.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related PT0-002 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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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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