Quick Answer
The answer is outgoing SSH connection attempts. This Wireshark filter selects TCP packets destined for port 22, which is the default port for SSH, and isolates those with the SYN flag set to 1 and the ACK flag set to 0. In the TCP three-way handshake, a packet with only the SYN flag raised is the very first step a client sends to initiate a new connection, so this filter captures the initial attempt to establish an SSH session from the source to the destination. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to decode TCP flags and understand how to filter for specific phases of network communication, a core skill in network forensic analysis. A common trap is confusing SYN packets with SYN-ACK replies, which would have both flags set; remember that a pure SYN with no ACK always signals an outgoing connection attempt. Memory tip: SYN alone means "start a new conversation," while SYN-ACK means "I heard you, let's talk."
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. 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 network forensic analyst captures traffic that includes the following Wireshark filter: "tcp.port == 22 and tcp.flags.syn == 1 and tcp.flags.ack == 0". What type of traffic is this filter selecting?
SSH traffic with payload
Why wrong: Payload is carried in data packets, not solely SYN packets.
Outgoing SSH connection attempts
SYN packets to port 22 are connection initiation attempts, typically outgoing from the client.
SSH key exchange
Why wrong: Key exchange occurs after the TCP handshake, not in SYN packets.
SSH established sessions
Why wrong: Established sessions have SYN+ACK or ACK flags, not just SYN.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Outgoing SSH connection attempts
The filter matches TCP packets to port 22 (SSH) with only the SYN flag set (SYN=1, ACK=0). These are the first packets in a TCP handshake, representing connection attempts.
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.
SSH traffic with payload
Why it's wrong here
Payload is carried in data packets, not solely SYN packets.
Outgoing SSH connection attempts
Why this is correct
SYN packets to port 22 are connection initiation attempts, typically outgoing from the client.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SSH key exchange
Why it's wrong here
Key exchange occurs after the TCP handshake, not in SYN packets.
SSH established sessions
Why it's wrong here
Established sessions have SYN+ACK or ACK flags, not just SYN.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
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.
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 CHFI 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
Identify which CHFI 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.
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FAQ
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Outgoing SSH connection attempts — The filter matches TCP packets to port 22 (SSH) with only the SYN flag set (SYN=1, ACK=0). These are the first packets in a TCP handshake, representing connection attempts.
Identify which CHFI 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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CHFI 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 CHFI exam.
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