Quick Answer
The correct answer is an account lockout policy because it directly mitigates brute-force attack control by locking the account after a predefined number of failed login attempts, preventing an attacker from endlessly guessing credentials. This control operates at the authentication layer, not the network or data layer, which is why encryption, firewalls, or hashing are ineffective here—they do not limit the rate or volume of login attempts. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this question tests your ability to map a specific security control to a real-world scenario, often appearing in compliance or log-review questions where the key detail is repeated failures from a single source. A common trap is confusing account lockout with password complexity or MFA; remember that lockout stops the attack in progress, while other controls protect the password itself. Memory tip: “Lock it out to knock it out”—if you see multiple failed logins, think account lockout first.
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A compliance officer is reviewing logs from a web application and finds multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address. Which type of control should be implemented to reduce the risk of brute-force attacks?
Account lockout policy
Account lockout limits the number of attempts, reducing brute-force risk.
Network firewall
Why wrong: A firewall controls network traffic but may not prevent authentication attempts.
Password hashing
Why wrong: Hashing protects stored passwords, not brute-force attempts.
Encryption of traffic
Why wrong: Encryption protects data in transit, not brute-force attacks.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Account lockout policy
Account lockout policies prevent brute-force attacks by locking accounts after a number of failed attempts. Encryption, firewalls, and hashing do not directly address brute-force login attempts.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Account lockout policy
Why this is correct
Account lockout limits the number of attempts, reducing brute-force risk.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Network firewall
Why it's wrong here
A firewall controls network traffic but may not prevent authentication attempts.
Password hashing
Why it's wrong here
Hashing protects stored passwords, not brute-force attempts.
Encryption of traffic
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data in transit, not brute-force attacks.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Governance, Risk and Compliance — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Governance, Risk and Compliance practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CAS-004 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CAS-004 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Application Environment, Configuration and Security.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Governance, Risk and Compliance.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Engineering.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Architecture.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Operations.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 fundamentals.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 scenario.
Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Account lockout policy — Account lockout policies prevent brute-force attacks by locking accounts after a number of failed attempts. Encryption, firewalls, and hashing do not directly address brute-force login attempts.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-004 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.