Victor is a novice Ethical Hacker. He is learning the hacking process, i.e., the steps taken by malicious hackers to perform hacking. Which of the following steps is NOT included in the hacking…

Scanning is the second phase of the hacking process, during which attackers use port scanners and vulnerability scanners to identify open ports, services, and weaknesses on the target.

Preparation is not defined as a phase in the EC-Council hacking methodology or any widely accepted ethical hacking framework; the five recognized phases are Reconnaissance, Scanning, Gaining Access, Maintaining Access, and Covering Tracks, so Preparation is the answer that does NOT belong.

Gaining Access is the third phase where attackers exploit discovered vulnerabilities to obtain unauthorized entry into the target system or network.

Reconnaissance is the first phase of the hacking process, involving both passive and active information gathering about the target to map its attack surface.