GSEC Endpoint Security Practice Question
Exhibit
{"Policy": "ApplicationControl", "Mode": "Enforce", "Rules": [{"Action": "Allow", "Path": "C:\\Program Files\\*"}, {"Action": "Deny", "Path": "C:\\Users\\*\\AppData\\*"}]}Refer to the exhibit. An administrator applies this policy to a Windows workstation. What is the expected behavior for a user attempting to execute a legitimate application installed in their AppData folder?
⚠ Common exam trap
Examinees often assume legitimate software paths bypass security policies, forgetting that explicitly enforced deny rules in application control policies override application legitimacy.
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
✓
The application will be blocked from execution.
The policy explicitly defines a 'Deny' rule for the AppData directory. Since the policy mode is set to 'Enforce', the endpoint security engine will block any executable residing in that path. This is a common security practice to prevent the execution of malicious payloads frequently dropped into temporary user directories, though it may inadvertently block legitimate software that installs to the user profile instead of Program Files.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The application will run normally because AppData is a standard location.
Why it's wrong here
The policy contains an explicit 'Deny' rule for the AppData path. In 'Enforce' mode, the security agent will evaluate this rule before allowing execution. Since the rule is a hard block, the application will be prevented from running, regardless of whether it is legitimate or malicious software.
- ✓
The application will be blocked from execution.
Why this is correct
The JSON policy clearly specifies an action of 'Deny' for any file path matching the AppData directory pattern. Because the policy is in 'Enforce' mode, the security agent will block any attempt to execute a binary from this location, effectively stopping the user from running their application.
- ✗
The application will run, but the activity will be logged for review.
Why it's wrong here
The 'Mode' field is set to 'Enforce', meaning the security agent will actively block disallowed actions. If the mode were set to 'Audit', the activity would be logged but allowed. Since 'Enforce' is active, the agent must block the application rather than just recording the event for later review.
- ✗
The system will automatically move the application to Program Files.
Why it's wrong here
Security agents do not perform automated file relocation as part of their execution control policies. They perform either 'Allow' or 'Deny' evaluations based on predefined rules. Attempting to move files would require elevated privileges and a complex file system driver, which is outside the scope of execution control.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official GIAC exam blueprint
This GSEC practice question is part of Courseiva's free GIAC 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 GSEC exam.