ISC Infrastructure And System Security Practice Question
A security architect is designing an authentication flow for a distributed system. Which method provides the best defense against replay attacks?
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
✓
Using short-lived tokens with nonces.
Using a nonce or a short-lived token with a timestamp ensures that each authentication request is unique and can only be processed once.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Using IP-based restriction.
Why it's wrong here
IP addresses can be easily spoofed or routed through proxies.
- ✓
Using short-lived tokens with nonces.
Why this is correct
Nonces and short lifespans prevent attackers from reusing captured credentials.
- ✗
Using long-lived API keys.
Why it's wrong here
Long-lived keys are highly susceptible to replay attacks.
- ✗
Enabling HTTPS for all traffic.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS protects transit, but doesn't prevent replay of valid intercepted requests.
About these practice questions
This ISC question is part of Courseiva's 208-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This ISC practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 ISC exam.