Digital Forensic Certification Practice Exam

What technique is employed to gather information like network topology and vulnerabilities in target systems?

1. Port Scanning

2. Enumeration

3. Social Engineering

4. Packet Capture

The correct answer is: Enumeration

The technique that is effective for gathering detailed information about network topology and identifying vulnerabilities within target systems is enumeration. Enumeration involves actively probing the network and its resources to extract user accounts, group memberships, and other valuable data. This process typically includes querying systems for information such as service versions, shared resources, and operating systems in use, which aids in constructing a comprehensive map of the network and its associated vulnerabilities. This data collection stage is critical in penetration testing and security assessments, where understanding the layout and vulnerabilities of a network helps in crafting a targeted strategy for addressing security flaws. By using enumeration, a security professional can gather specific insights that can be leveraged to enhance security measures and mitigate potential risks. This makes enumeration a crucial step in the broader practice of ethical hacking and vulnerability assessments.