CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) — Question 96
A network administrator wishes to ensure there are no unnecessary open communication paths into a server. Using a port scanner, the administrator finds that ports are reported as closed. Which of the following BEST explains this response?
Answer options
- A. The ports belong to an active system and are denying requests
- B. The ports are associated with deprecated services
- C. The ports do not belong to a live system
- D. The ports replied with a SYN/ACK response
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is B because closed ports often indicate they are no longer in use, typically linked to deprecated services that are not active. Option A is incorrect as closed ports do not deny requests but rather indicate no service is listening. Option C is wrong as the ports may belong to a live system but are simply not open. Option D is inaccurate since a closed port would not respond with a SYN/ACK; that response indicates an open port.