Peter is surfing the internet looking for information about DX Company. Which hacking process is Peter doing?

Scanning is an active phase that involves probing a target's network and systems using tools to discover open ports, live hosts, and running services, which goes beyond passive internet research.

Footprinting is the initial reconnaissance phase in which an attacker collects information about a target using open sources such as websites, WHOIS records, social media, and search engines. This passive information gathering helps map the target's digital footprint and attack surface without directly interacting with target systems, and it precedes all active hacking phases.

Enumeration involves directly querying target systems to extract detailed information such as usernames, network shares, and service banners, which requires active interaction with the target.

System hacking is the exploitation phase where an attacker attempts to gain unauthorized access to systems using credentials, vulnerabilities, or other attack techniques.