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ISC2 CC Practice Question: A company experiences a ransomware attack that…
A company experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts all files on a server. Which security control would MOST effectively allow recovery without paying the ransom?
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
✓
Regular backups
Regular backups enable restoration of encrypted data from a clean copy, bypassing the need to pay the ransom. Other controls help prevent or detect but do not directly facilitate recovery.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Firewall
Why it's wrong here
A firewall may block initial infection but cannot restore encrypted files.
- ✓
Regular backups
Why this is correct
Correct. Backups are the primary recovery mechanism against ransomware.
- ✗
Intrusion detection system
Why it's wrong here
IDS detects attacks but does not provide data recovery.
- ✗
Antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus may remove the malware but cannot decrypt files without the key.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files or locks them out of their system, demanding payment, usually in cryptocurrency, to restore access.
Key term
Security control
A security control is a safeguard or countermeasure designed to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information systems and data.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.