- A
Pass-the-hash attack
Why wrong: Pass-the-hash attacks reuse captured password hashes to authenticate to other systems, but the described behavior of rapidly accessing multiple network shares suggests active probing after access is already obtained, not the reuse of hashes.
- B
Brute-force attack
Why wrong: Brute-force attacks involve repeated attempts to guess a password. In this scenario, the account is already authenticated, and the activity is post-authentication, not password guessing.
- C
Credential stuffing attack
Why wrong: Credential stuffing uses lists of stolen usernames and passwords from other breaches to gain access. While it could result in account compromise, the rapid share enumeration after access indicates a different phase of attack.
- D
Internal reconnaissance
Internal reconnaissance involves an attacker who has already compromised a system and is now scanning internal resources to identify valuable data or further targets. The rapid access to multiple network shares aligns with this activity.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is internal reconnaissance because the rapid, automated probing of multiple network shares from an internal IP address while the legitimate user is on leave indicates an attacker who has already compromised the account and is now mapping the network’s resources. This behavior is a classic sign of an internal reconnaissance attack, where the adversary uses tools like `net view` or SMB enumeration to discover accessible shares, printers, or file servers—essentially taking a “lay of the land” after gaining a foothold. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish post-compromise reconnaissance from brute-force or credential-stuffing attacks, which would typically show repeated login failures rather than successful share queries. A common trap is confusing this with a direct credential attack, but the key clue is the rapid succession of share access attempts from an already-authenticated session. Memory tip: think “shares in a flash, attacker has the stash”—rapid share enumeration means the attacker is already inside, not trying to get in.
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. 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 security analyst receives an alert about a user account attempting to access multiple network shares in rapid succession within a short time frame. The analyst reviews the logs and sees that the IP address originates from the internal network, but the user is currently on leave. Which type of attack is most likely occurring?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
Internal reconnaissance
The correct answer is D because the behavior—an internal IP address rapidly querying multiple network shares—is characteristic of internal reconnaissance, where an attacker who has already gained a foothold maps out available resources. The user being on leave indicates the account is compromised, and the rapid succession of share access attempts is a classic sign of automated enumeration (e.g., using `net view` or SMB queries) rather than a direct credential attack.
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.
- ✗
Pass-the-hash attack
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash attacks reuse captured password hashes to authenticate to other systems, but the described behavior of rapidly accessing multiple network shares suggests active probing after access is already obtained, not the reuse of hashes.
- ✗
Brute-force attack
Why it's wrong here
Brute-force attacks involve repeated attempts to guess a password. In this scenario, the account is already authenticated, and the activity is post-authentication, not password guessing.
- ✗
Credential stuffing attack
Why it's wrong here
Credential stuffing uses lists of stolen usernames and passwords from other breaches to gain access. While it could result in account compromise, the rapid share enumeration after access indicates a different phase of attack.
- ✓
Internal reconnaissance
Why this is correct
Internal reconnaissance involves an attacker who has already compromised a system and is now scanning internal resources to identify valuable data or further targets. The rapid access to multiple network shares aligns with this activity.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" 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
The trap here is that candidates confuse the rapid enumeration of network shares with a brute-force or credential-based attack, failing to recognize that the attacker is already authenticated and is simply mapping the network for further exploitation.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Brute-force attacks involve repeated attempts to guess a password. In this scenario, the account is already authenticated, and the activity is post-authentication, not password guessing.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Internal reconnaissance often leverages Windows SMB (Server Message Block) protocol to enumerate shares via `NetShareEnum` API calls or tools like BloodHound. The rapid succession of access attempts can be detected by monitoring for anomalous SMB tree connect requests (e.g., more than 10 unique shares in under 60 seconds) from a single source. In a real-world scenario, this phase typically follows initial compromise (e.g., via phishing) and precedes lateral movement or data exfiltration.
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 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Internal reconnaissance — The correct answer is D because the behavior—an internal IP address rapidly querying multiple network shares—is characteristic of internal reconnaissance, where an attacker who has already gained a foothold maps out available resources. The user being on leave indicates the account is compromised, and the rapid succession of share access attempts is a classic sign of automated enumeration (e.g., using `net view` or SMB queries) rather than a direct credential attack.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
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