ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
Which TCP segment is sent to initiate the three-way handshake?
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
✓
SYN
The three-way handshake starts with a SYN (synchronize) packet from the client.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ACK
Why it's wrong here
ACK is used for acknowledgment, not initiation.
- ✗
SYN-ACK
Why it's wrong here
SYN-ACK is the server's response.
- ✗
FIN
Why it's wrong here
FIN is used to terminate a connection.
- ✓
SYN
Why this is correct
Correct. Client sends SYN to start the handshake.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.