Quick Answer
The answer is Hashcat mode -m 1000, which is the correct choice for cracking NTLM hashes. This mode is specifically designed for the Windows NT LAN Manager hash format stored in the SAM database, and when combined with a rule-based attack, it applies transformation rules to wordlists to generate candidate passwords, maximizing cracking success by leveraging common password patterns and mutations. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this tests your ability to identify the correct hash type and corresponding Hashcat mode during post-exploitation, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must select the right attack vector. A common trap is confusing NTLM with NTLMv1 or NTLMv2 (modes 5500 and 5600), so remember that mode 1000 targets the older, weaker NTLM hash used in local SAM dumps. Memory tip: think “1000” as the “one thousand” hashes you’ll crack from a Windows system.
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of tools and code analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 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?
-m 1000
Mode 1000 is specifically for NTLM hashes, which is the correct choice for cracking NTLM.
-m 1100
Why wrong: Mode 1100 is for Domain Cached Credentials (DCC), not NTLM.
-m 3000
Why wrong: Mode 3000 is for LM hashes, which are older and weaker than NTLM.
-m 5500
Why wrong: Mode 5500 is for NetNTLMv2, which is used in network authentication, not the stored hash.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
-m 1000
Hashcat mode -m 1000 is specifically designated for NTLM hashes, which are the Windows NT LAN Manager hash format stored in the SAM database. A rule-based attack with this mode applies transformation rules to wordlists to generate candidate passwords, maximizing cracking success by leveraging common password patterns and mutations.
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.
-m 1000
Why this is correct
Mode 1000 is specifically for NTLM hashes, which is the correct choice for cracking NTLM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
-m 1100
Why it's wrong here
Mode 1100 is for Domain Cached Credentials (DCC), not NTLM.
-m 3000
Why it's wrong here
Mode 3000 is for LM hashes, which are older and weaker than NTLM.
-m 5500
Why it's wrong here
Mode 5500 is for NetNTLMv2, which is used in network authentication, not the stored hash.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing NTLM hashes (mode 1000) with NetNTLMv1 (mode 5500) or other Windows-related hash types, as candidates often mix up local authentication hashes with network authentication challenge-response hashes.
Detailed technical explanation
NTLM hashes are stored in the Windows SAM file as an MD4 hash of the user's password (UTF-16LE encoded), making them directly crackable with Hashcat mode 1000. Rule-based attacks in Hashcat use the -r flag with rule files like best64.rule or generated rules to apply transformations such as capitalization, substitution, and appending digits, which significantly improve success rates against weak passwords without requiring brute force of the full keyspace.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Tools and Code Analysis — This question tests Tools and Code Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: -m 1000 — Hashcat mode -m 1000 is specifically designated for NTLM hashes, which are the Windows NT LAN Manager hash format stored in the SAM database. A rule-based attack with this mode applies transformation rules to wordlists to generate candidate passwords, maximizing cracking success by leveraging common password patterns and mutations.
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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