Which of the following is the third step in the ethical hacking methodology?

• A. Reconnaissance
• B. Enumeration
• C. Gain access
• D. Maintaining access

Answer: (C)

In ethical hacking, you start by collecting information about the target and then identify specific weaknesses through careful enumeration. Those steps build a detailed picture of what could be exploited. Once you have enough precise information—such as exposed services, user accounts, and misconfigurations—you attempt to break in to gain access. That act of exploiting a vulnerability to log into or otherwise control the system is the third phase, because it moves from discovery into actual compromise. After access is obtained, the next stages focus on maintaining that foothold and then covering tracks.