- A
nmap -O 192.168.1.0/24
Why wrong: -O performs OS detection but typically requires open ports, and it is more intrusive than a simple host discovery.
- B
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
-sn performs host discovery only (ping sweep) without port scanning, meeting the requirement.
- C
nmap -A 192.168.1.0/24
Why wrong: -A enables aggressive scanning including OS detection, version detection, script scanning, and traceroute, which is intrusive.
- D
nmap -sS 192.168.1.0/24
Why wrong: -sS is a SYN scan that performs port scanning, which is more intrusive than a simple ping sweep.
Question 35 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, you are asked to discover all live hosts on a subnet without generating excessive traffic or being too intrusive. Which Nmap command best achieves this goal?
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
Option B is correct because the `-sn` flag (ping scan) sends ICMP echo requests, TCP SYN to port 443, TCP ACK to port 80, and ICMP timestamp requests to discover live hosts without performing port scans or service detection, minimizing traffic and intrusiveness. This meets the requirement of discovering all live hosts on a subnet efficiently.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 -O 192.168.1.0/24
Why it's wrong here
-O performs OS detection but typically requires open ports, and it is more intrusive than a simple host discovery.
- ✓
nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24
Why this is correct
-sn performs host discovery only (ping sweep) without port scanning, meeting the requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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 intrusive.
- ✗
nmap -sS 192.168.1.0/24
Why it's wrong here
-sS is a SYN scan that performs port scanning, which is more intrusive than a simple ping sweep.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `-sn` (ping scan) with `-sS` (SYN scan), assuming that a stealth scan is less intrusive, but `-sS` actually probes ports and generates more traffic, while `-sn` only checks for host liveness without port scanning.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `-sn` flag in Nmap sends a default set of probes: ICMP echo request, TCP SYN to port 443, TCP ACK to port 80, and ICMP timestamp request, which allows host discovery even when firewalls block ICMP echo. In real-world scenarios, this is useful for initial reconnaissance in large subnets where minimizing network noise is critical to avoid detection by intrusion detection systems (IDS).
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24 — Option B is correct because the `-sn` flag (ping scan) sends ICMP echo requests, TCP SYN to port 443, TCP ACK to port 80, and ICMP timestamp requests to discover live hosts without performing port scans or service detection, minimizing traffic and intrusiveness. This meets the requirement of discovering all live hosts on a subnet efficiently.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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