Quick Answer
The answer is Google dorking, Shodan, and examining public DNS records. These are correct examples of OSINT techniques because they all involve collecting information from publicly accessible sources without directly interacting with the target’s own systems. Google dorking uses advanced search operators to uncover exposed files or directories indexed by search engines, while Shodan scans the internet for connected devices and their open ports, and public DNS records reveal infrastructure details like IP addresses or mail servers—all passive methods that leave no footprint. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish passive reconnaissance from active scanning; a common trap is confusing Shodan with an active tool, but remember that Shodan’s data is pre-collected from public sources, not from your own probes. For a memory tip, think “GPS” for Google dorking, Public DNS, and Shodan—three passive ways to map a target without knocking on its door.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of footprinting, reconnaissance and 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.
Which THREE of the following are examples of OSINT techniques? (Choose 3)
Nmap version detection
Why wrong: Nmap is an active scanning tool.
Shodan search
Shodan is an OSINT search engine for devices.
Maltego graph analysis
Maltego uses public data sources for OSINT.
Nessus vulnerability scan
Why wrong: Nessus is an active vulnerability scanner.
Google dorking
Google dorking uses search engines to find sensitive information.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Shodan search
Shodan is a search engine for internet-connected devices, allowing users to discover open ports, services, and banners without directly interacting with the target. This is a classic OSINT technique because it gathers publicly available information from external sources, not from active scanning of the target's own infrastructure.
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.
Nmap version detection
Why it's wrong here
Nmap is an active scanning tool.
Shodan search
Why this is correct
Shodan is an OSINT search engine for devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Maltego graph analysis
Why this is correct
Maltego uses public data sources for OSINT.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Nessus vulnerability scan
Why it's wrong here
Nessus is an active vulnerability scanner.
Google dorking
Why this is correct
Google dorking uses search engines to find sensitive information.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
EC-Council often tests the distinction between active and passive reconnaissance, and the trap here is that candidates confuse tools that can be used for both (like Nmap) with OSINT, forgetting that OSINT specifically excludes any direct interaction with the target system.
Detailed technical explanation
OSINT relies entirely on publicly accessible data, such as Shodan's indexed banners from SYN scans, Maltego's aggregation of WHOIS, DNS, and social media data, and Google dorking's use of advanced search operators to find exposed files or directories. These techniques do not send packets to the target; they leverage third-party databases and search engine caches, which is why they are considered passive and legal for reconnaissance.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning — This question tests Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Shodan search — Shodan is a search engine for internet-connected devices, allowing users to discover open ports, services, and banners without directly interacting with the target. This is a classic OSINT technique because it gathers publicly available information from external sources, not from active scanning of the target's own infrastructure.
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 30, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CEH exam.
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