The answer is a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) and 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server. A WIPS actively monitors the radio frequency spectrum to detect, locate, and block rogue access points by launching de-authentication attacks against them, making it the most direct and proactive countermeasure. Meanwhile, 802.1X with a RADIUS server enforces port-based network access control, ensuring only authenticated devices can connect, which prevents rogue APs from easily joining the wired network. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of both active detection and access control layers; a common trap is confusing a simple MAC address filter or SSID hiding as effective countermeasures, which are easily bypassed. Remember the memory tip: “WIPS watches the air, RADIUS locks the door”—combining these two defenses covers both the wireless and wired attack vectors.
CEH Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of wireless, iot and cloud security. 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.
Which TWO of the following are effective countermeasures against rogue access point attacks on a corporate wireless network?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS).
A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) continuously monitors the radio frequency spectrum to detect, locate, and block rogue access points. It can automatically classify devices based on their behavior and signatures, and when a rogue AP is identified, the WIPS can launch a de-authentication attack against the rogue device or its clients, effectively neutralizing the threat. This makes WIPS the most direct and proactive countermeasure against rogue APs.
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.
✓
Deploy a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS).
Why this is correct
WIPS detects and blocks rogues.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use WPA2-PSK with a strong passphrase.
Why it's wrong here
Pre-shared key does not prevent rogues.
✗
Implement MAC address filtering on the access points.
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering can be bypassed.
✓
Use 802.1X authentication with a RADIUS server.
Why this is correct
Ensures only authorized devices connect.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable SSID broadcast on the corporate network.
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent rogue APs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
EC-Council often tests the misconception that encryption or authentication methods (like WPA2-PSK or 802.1X) alone can prevent rogue APs, when in fact they only secure the legitimate network and do not address the rogue device's ability to operate on the same frequency.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A WIPS typically uses a combination of dedicated sensors and the corporate APs themselves to collect RF data, then applies heuristics and signature-based analysis to detect anomalies such as a new AP broadcasting the same BSSID as a legitimate AP but with a different MAC address or signal strength. In a real-world scenario, a WIPS can also integrate with the wired network via SNMP or 802.1X to automatically disable the switch port to which a rogue AP is connected, cutting off its network access entirely.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security — This question tests Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS). — A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) continuously monitors the radio frequency spectrum to detect, locate, and block rogue access points. It can automatically classify devices based on their behavior and signatures, and when a rogue AP is identified, the WIPS can launch a de-authentication attack against the rogue device or its clients, effectively neutralizing the threat. This makes WIPS the most direct and proactive countermeasure against rogue APs.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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