The answer is ARP ping scan, because it operates at Layer 2 using ARP requests to silently verify if an IP address is active on the local subnet without generating IP-level packets. This stealth host discovery technique produces minimal traffic confined to the broadcast domain, making it ideal for avoiding IDS/IPS alerts during an internal penetration test. On the CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to balance stealth with effectiveness on a local network segment—a common trap is choosing an ICMP or TCP scan, which create more noise and cross Layer 3 boundaries. Remember that ARP ping only works on the same subnet; it cannot discover hosts across routers. Memory tip: think "ARP is for the local carpark—quiet and contained, not for the highway."
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 an internal penetration test, a tester is trying to identify live hosts on a network segment. The tester wants to avoid generating a high volume of traffic or alerts. Which scanning technique is most appropriate for this task?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
ARP ping scan
An ARP ping scan (option D) is the most appropriate technique because it operates at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) using ARP requests to determine if an IP address is active on the local subnet. Since ARP traffic is confined to the local broadcast domain and does not generate IP-level packets, it produces minimal network traffic and is unlikely to trigger IDS/IPS alerts, making it ideal for stealthy host discovery on a local network segment.
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.
✗
Full TCP connect scan on common ports
Why it's wrong here
Full connect scans complete the three-way handshake, creating more traffic and being easily detected.
✗
ICMP echo request sweep
Why it's wrong here
ICMP echo requests are often blocked by firewalls or monitored, and they are not reliable in modern networks.
✗
SYN stealth scan on port 80 and 443
Why it's wrong here
SYN scans are stealthier than full connects but still generate TCP packets that can trigger alerts.
✓
ARP ping scan
Why this is correct
ARP scans are local, low-traffic, and often not monitored, making them ideal for stealthy host discovery on the same subnet.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose a SYN stealth scan (option C) thinking it is the quietest option, but they overlook that ARP scans are even more stealthy and efficient for local subnet discovery because they avoid IP-layer detection entirely.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ARP operates by broadcasting a request for a target IP address; if the host is alive, it replies with its MAC address, allowing the tester to map live hosts without leaving IP-layer logs. This technique is only effective on the local subnet because ARP requests are not routed, making it inherently low-traffic and stealthy. In real-world engagements, testers often combine ARP scans with tools like Nmap's `-PR` flag to quickly enumerate all responsive hosts on a VLAN without generating TCP or UDP noise.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PT0-002 question in full detail.
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: ARP ping scan — An ARP ping scan (option D) is the most appropriate technique because it operates at Layer 2 (Data Link layer) using ARP requests to determine if an IP address is active on the local subnet. Since ARP traffic is confined to the local broadcast domain and does not generate IP-level packets, it produces minimal network traffic and is unlikely to trigger IDS/IPS alerts, making it ideal for stealthy host discovery on a local network segment.
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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Question Discussion
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