CompTIA Security+ (SY0-501) — Question 103

A new security administrator ran a vulnerability scanner for the first time and caused a system outage.
Which of the following types of scans MOST likely caused the outage?

Answer options

• A. Non-intrusive credentialed scan
• B. Non-intrusive non-credentialed scan
• C. Intrusive credentialed scan
• D. Intrusive non-credentialed scan

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is D, as an Intrusive non-credentialed scan actively tests the system's defenses and can lead to a system crash due to its aggressive nature. Options A and B are non-intrusive and typically do not disrupt system operations, while C, although credentialed, still tends to be less disruptive than a non-credentialed intrusive scan.