Which type of reconnaissance actively engages with the target network?

Active reconnaissance involves directly interacting with the target network to gather detailed information about its structure, devices, and potential vulnerabilities. This method can include techniques such as ping sweeps, port scans, and vulnerability scanning, where active probes are sent to the network to elicit responses that reveal critical data regarding its configuration and security status.

By engaging with the network, an attacker or security professional can collect real-time information that may not be apparent through observation alone. This type of reconnaissance is more intrusive and can alert network defenders to the probing activity, but it provides a wealth of specific data that is often necessary for effective penetration testing or security assessments.

In contrast, passive reconnaissance involves gathering information without direct interaction with the target, relying on publicly available data, such as social media, WHOIS information, and network traffic analysis from external sources. Static and dynamic refer to the nature of systems or environments rather than methods of reconnaissance, making them less relevant in the context of this question.