hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A security analyst is reviewing traffic logs and…
A security analyst is reviewing traffic logs and sees that a host is sending ICMP echo requests to multiple external IPs. This behavior is most likely indicative of:
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between reconnaissance and attack phases, so the trap here is confusing a single-source sweep (reconnaissance) with a multi-source flood (DDoS), leading candidates to incorrectly select the DDoS option.
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
✓
A ping sweep reconnaissance
ICMP echo requests (ping) sent to multiple external IPs from a single host is characteristic of a ping sweep, which is a reconnaissance technique used to map live hosts on a network. Unlike a DDoS or amplification attack, this activity originates from one host and targets many destinations to identify which IPs are responsive, aiding an attacker in planning further exploitation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Normal network monitoring
Why it's wrong here
Monitoring typically uses SNMP or netflow.
- ✗
A DDoS attack
Why it's wrong here
DDoS involves many sources flooding a target.
- ✗
A DNS amplification attack
Why it's wrong here
DNS amplification uses DNS requests with spoofed IPs.
- ✓
A ping sweep reconnaissance
Why this is correct
Ping sweeps are used to identify active hosts.
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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.