Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

Which phase in hacking focuses on maintaining prolonged access to the victim's system while minimizing detection?

1. Reconnaissance

2. Scrubbing

3. Clearing Tracks

4. Gaining Access

The correct answer is: Clearing Tracks

The phase that focuses on maintaining prolonged access to the victim's system while minimizing detection is often referred to as "clearing tracks." This phase is crucial for attackers who want to ensure that their presence remains undetected for as long as possible. Once they gain access to the system, they will implement techniques to remove logs or alter system files that might reveal their activities or presence to security tools and administrators. By effectively clearing tracks, attackers can avoid triggering alerts that would lead to their detection, allowing them to maintain control over the compromised system undisturbed. This phase is about stealth and longevity, aiming to ensure that the attacker can both exploit the system and continue accessing it without raising suspicion. The other choices represent different phases in the hacking process. Reconnaissance involves gathering information about the target, while gaining access pertains to methods used to breach the system. Scrubbing is not commonly recognized as a specific phase of hacking, thus making it less relevant in this context.