Which term is used to identify active hosts, open ports, and unnecessary services on a host?

• A. Reconnaissance
• B. Scanning
• C. Maintaining Access
• D. Information Assurance (AI)

Answer: (B)

Scanning is the process of probing a network to map what is reachable and what services are exposed. By sending requests to a range of IPs and ports, you learn which hosts are active, which ports are open, and what services are listening on those ports. This information reveals the attack surface, including any unnecessary services that could be exploited, and sets up the next steps in assessment or exploitation.

Reconnaissance is broader data gathering, not the specific discovery of live hosts and open ports. Maintaining access focuses on persistence after gaining entry, not on discovery. Information Assurance concerns protecting and securing information, not the discovery phase.