Check Point 156-401 Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 21,2026- Exam Code: 156-401
- Exam Name: Hacking 101 Check Point Certified PenTesting Associate (CCPA)
- Certification Provider: Check Point
- Latest update: Oct 21,2026
Question #1
Which scanning technique is most likely to detect vulnerabilities without engaging services heavily?
- A . Full connect scan
- B . SYN scan
- C . Banner grabbing
- D . Passive fingerprinting
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Passive fingerprinting analyzes already available network traffic without directly probing the target, minimizing exposure.
D
Explanation:
Passive fingerprinting analyzes already available network traffic without directly probing the target, minimizing exposure.
Question #2
Which of the following best describes reconnaissance in penetration testing?
- A . Exploiting system vulnerabilities
- B . Gathering information about the target
- C . Installing malware on target devices
- D . Covering attack traces
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Reconnaissance is the phase where the tester gathers as much information as possible about the target
without engaging in active attacks.
B
Explanation:
Reconnaissance is the phase where the tester gathers as much information as possible about the target
without engaging in active attacks.
Question #3
Which two are common results of banner grabbing? (Choose two.)
- A . Service versions
- B . Encryption keys
- C . Operating system details
- D . Password hashes
Correct Answer: A, C
A, C
Explanation:
Banner grabbing reveals service versions and sometimes OS information, which helps attackers select tailored exploits.
A, C
Explanation:
Banner grabbing reveals service versions and sometimes OS information, which helps attackers select tailored exploits.
Question #4
What is the primary purpose of vulnerability scanning?
- A . Cracking passwords
- B . Detecting existing weaknesses
- C . Sniffing network traffic
- D . Encrypting communications
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Vulnerability scanning detects known weaknesses in systems or applications, enabling remediation before exploitation.
B
Explanation:
Vulnerability scanning detects known weaknesses in systems or applications, enabling remediation before exploitation.
Question #5
Which type of hacker is typically motivated by financial gain and operates illegally?
- A . White Hat
- B . Black Hat
- C . Gray Hat
- D . Red Hat
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Black Hat hackers exploit vulnerabilities illegally for personal or financial gain without permission from the system owner.
B
Explanation:
Black Hat hackers exploit vulnerabilities illegally for personal or financial gain without permission from the system owner.
Question #6
Which two actions are typically involved in mapping a target’s network? (Choose two.)
- A . Traceroute scanning
- B . DNS server enumeration
- C . Reverse engineering applications
- D . Buffer overflow attacks
Correct Answer: A, B
A, B
Explanation:
Network mapping combines techniques like traceroute and DNS enumeration to construct a view of the target’s infrastructure.
A, B
Explanation:
Network mapping combines techniques like traceroute and DNS enumeration to construct a view of the target’s infrastructure.
Question #7
Footprinting typically happens:
- A . After exploitation
- B . Before active exploitation
- C . During privilege escalation
- D . After reporting
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Footprinting occurs before exploiting vulnerabilities to build a detailed understanding of the target’s environment.
B
Explanation:
Footprinting occurs before exploiting vulnerabilities to build a detailed understanding of the target’s environment.
Question #8
What is the primary goal of vulnerability detection?
- A . Exploit weaknesses immediately
- B . Identify vulnerabilities without causing damage
- C . Launch brute force attacks
- D . Intercept all network traffic
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Vulnerability detection identifies potential weaknesses in a system or network without exploiting them, enabling defensive measures to be taken safely.
B
Explanation:
Vulnerability detection identifies potential weaknesses in a system or network without exploiting them, enabling defensive measures to be taken safely.
Question #9
Which two best practices should ethical hackers always follow? (Choose two.)
- A . Operate without consent
- B . Obtain written authorization
- C . Document all findings
- D . Ignore discovered vulnerabilities
Correct Answer: B, C
B, C
Explanation:
Ethical hackers must always operate with documented permission and thoroughly report their findings to maintain trust and legality.
B, C
Explanation:
Ethical hackers must always operate with documented permission and thoroughly report their findings to maintain trust and legality.
Question #10
Gray Hat hackers operate:
- A . Completely legally and with authorization
- B . Without any regard for laws or ethics
- C . Without permission but without malicious intent
- D . Exclusively for personal revenge
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Gray Hat hackers find vulnerabilities without authorization but generally inform the organization without exploiting the vulnerabilities maliciously.
C
Explanation:
Gray Hat hackers find vulnerabilities without authorization but generally inform the organization without exploiting the vulnerabilities maliciously.