- A
Disable the affected service entirely.
Why wrong: This is a direct fix, not a compensating control.
- B
Ignore the vulnerability until the next patch cycle.
Why wrong: Ignoring is not a compensating control.
- C
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure.
Segmentation reduces the attack surface.
- D
Add an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor for exploitation.
Monitoring detects attempts while awaiting a fix.
- E
Upgrade the software immediately.
Why wrong: This is the full remediation, not a compensating control.
Question 890 of 1,000
PT0-002 Reporting and Communication Practice Question
This PT0-002 practice question tests your understanding of reporting and communication. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 penetration tester discovers a vulnerability that cannot be immediately remediated. Which TWO compensating controls should the tester recommend? (Choose TWO.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure.
Network segmentation (C) is a compensating control that limits the blast radius by isolating the vulnerable system from critical assets, reducing the likelihood of lateral movement. An IDS (D) provides detection and alerting for exploitation attempts, enabling a rapid response even when the root vulnerability cannot be patched immediately. Both controls reduce risk without requiring an immediate fix.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disable the affected service entirely.
Why it's wrong here
This is a direct fix, not a compensating control.
- ✗
Ignore the vulnerability until the next patch cycle.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring is not a compensating control.
- ✓
Implement network segmentation to limit exposure.
Why this is correct
Segmentation reduces the attack surface.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Add an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor for exploitation.
Why this is correct
Monitoring detects attempts while awaiting a fix.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Upgrade the software immediately.
Why it's wrong here
This is the full remediation, not a compensating control.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse compensating controls with remediation actions, selecting 'upgrade the software immediately' (E) even though the scenario explicitly states the vulnerability cannot be immediately remediated.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Network segmentation can be implemented using VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q) or firewall rules (e.g., iptables, ACLs) to restrict traffic to only necessary ports and protocols, effectively containing an exploit to a single segment. An IDS like Snort or Suricata uses signature-based or anomaly-based detection to alert on known exploit patterns (e.g., CVE-specific payloads), providing visibility without blocking traffic. In a real-world scenario, a critical web server with an unpatched RCE vulnerability could be isolated in a DMZ while an IDS monitors for inbound exploit attempts, allowing the organization to buy time for a patch.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Reporting and Communication — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Reporting and Communication practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All PT0-002 questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA PenTest+ PT0-002 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
PT0-002 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related PT0-002 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Information Gathering and Vulnerability Scanning.
Planning and Scoping practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Planning and Scoping.
Reporting and Communication practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Reporting and Communication.
Attacks and Exploits practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Attacks and Exploits.
Tools and Code Analysis practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to Tools and Code Analysis.
PT0-002 fundamentals practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 fundamentals.
PT0-002 scenario practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 scenario.
PT0-002 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise PT0-002 questions linked to PT0-002 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free PT0-002 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PT0-002 question test?
Reporting and Communication — This question tests Reporting and Communication — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement network segmentation to limit exposure. — Network segmentation (C) is a compensating control that limits the blast radius by isolating the vulnerable system from critical assets, reducing the likelihood of lateral movement. An IDS (D) provides detection and alerting for exploitation attempts, enabling a rapid response even when the root vulnerability cannot be patched immediately. Both controls reduce risk without requiring an immediate fix.
What should I do if I get this PT0-002 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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: Jul 4, 2026
This PT0-002 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 PT0-002 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.