In which phase does the attacker gather background information on the target?

The correct answer is A. Reconnaissance. Reconnaissance is the phase where an attacker systematically collects background information about a target - such as IP addresses, employee names, network topology, and publicly available data - before any attack begins. This is the foundational "research" phase, making A the co

Ethical Hacking Fundamentals

Question

Options

AReconnaissance
BInitiation
CExecution
DExit

How the community answered

(53 responses)

A
91% (48)
B
6% (3)
C
2% (1)
D
2% (1)

Explanation

Reconnaissance is the phase where an attacker systematically collects background information about a target - such as IP addresses, employee names, network topology, and publicly available data - before any attack begins. This is the foundational "research" phase, making A the correct answer.

Why the distractors are wrong:

B. Initiation is not a standard phase in attack methodology frameworks (e.g., CEH's 5 phases); it's a fabricated distractor.
C. Execution refers to actively carrying out the attack after planning - it comes after information gathering.
D. Exit (or "covering tracks") is the final phase, where the attacker removes evidence of intrusion.

Memory tip: Think of reconnaissance like a heist movie - the criminals case the joint before they rob it. "Recon = Research before action."

Topics

#Reconnaissance#Information Gathering#Attack Phases#Threat Assessment

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