hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A network analyst reviews firewall logs and sees…
A network analyst reviews firewall logs and sees multiple SYN packets to various ports from the same external IP in a short time, with no subsequent ACK. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between a SYN scan and a DDoS attack; the trap is that candidates see 'multiple SYN packets' and immediately think 'SYN flood DDoS,' but a SYN flood typically uses spoofed IPs and aims to exhaust resources, whereas a single IP scanning various ports without ACKs indicates reconnaissance.
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
✓
Port scan using SYN scan technique
A SYN scan sends SYN packets to multiple ports; if a port is open, the target responds with SYN-ACK, but the scanner never completes the handshake (no ACK). The absence of ACK packets after the SYN packets indicates the scanner is not establishing connections, which is characteristic of a SYN scan, not a brute force or DDoS attack.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Brute force password attack on SSH
Why it's wrong here
Brute force would target a single port repeatedly.
- ✗
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack
Why it's wrong here
DDoS typically uses many sources and may use other protocols.
- ✗
ICMP ping sweep
Why it's wrong here
Ping sweep uses ICMP Echo requests, not SYN packets.
- ✓
Port scan using SYN scan technique
Why this is correct
SYN scan is a common reconnaissance method.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.