The answer is to use a scan template specifically for the target OS. This is the best way to reduce false positives in vulnerability scanning because a tailored template aligns the scanner’s checks with the actual services, patch levels, and configurations of the operating system in use, preventing irrelevant tests that trigger incorrect alerts. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this concept tests your understanding of scan optimization and the importance of fingerprinting before scanning; a common trap is choosing aggressive scan speeds or increased timeouts, which either amplify noise or fail to address root causes. Remember that false positives often stem from mismatched expectations, so matching the template to the OS is like tuning a radio to the right frequency—only the intended signals come through.
PT0-002 Practice Question: Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of information gathering and vulnerability scanning. 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 tester conducts a vulnerability scan and receives a high number of false positives. Which of the following is the BEST way to reduce false positives in subsequent scans?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Why wrong: Credentialed scanning reduces false positives by providing authenticated access. However, the correct answer here is D due to question design; note: In practice, credentialed scanning is effective, but for this question, D is correct based on options provided.
B
Increase scan timeout values
Why wrong: Increasing timeouts may reduce false negatives but not false positives.
C
Aggressive scanning
Why wrong: Aggressive scanning may increase false positives.
D
Use a scan template specifically for the target OS
Using an OS-specific template helps the scanner interpret results more accurately, reducing false positives.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use a scan template specifically for the target OS
Option D is correct because using a scan template tailored to the target OS improves accuracy. Option A may increase false positives; Option B is aggressive; Option C increases timeouts but does not address false positives.
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.
✗
Credentialed scanning
Why it's wrong here
Credentialed scanning reduces false positives by providing authenticated access. However, the correct answer here is D due to question design; note: In practice, credentialed scanning is effective, but for this question, D is correct based on options provided.
✗
Increase scan timeout values
Why it's wrong here
Increasing timeouts may reduce false negatives but not false positives.
✗
Aggressive scanning
Why it's wrong here
Aggressive scanning may increase false positives.
✓
Use a scan template specifically for the target OS
Why this is correct
Using an OS-specific template helps the scanner interpret results more accurately, reducing false positives.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Trap categories for this question
Real-world vs exam trap
Credentialed scanning reduces false positives by providing authenticated access. However, the correct answer here is D due to question design; note: In practice, credentialed scanning is effective, but for this question, D is correct based on options provided.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Use a scan template specifically for the target OS — Option D is correct because using a scan template tailored to the target OS improves accuracy. Option A may increase false positives; Option B is aggressive; Option C increases timeouts but does not address false positives.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which PT0-002 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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