The answer is integrity, and the best corrective action is to apply the security patch immediately. Integrity is compromised because missing patches create vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized code execution, which can alter or corrupt classified data without detection. While availability is also at risk, the core principle violated here is integrity, as the server holds sensitive documents where unauthorized modification is the primary threat. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize integrity over availability when data classification is involved, and it often includes a trap where candidates choose to test the patch first—but in a classified environment, immediate application is required to close the critical vulnerability. A common memory tip is to think of classified data as a sealed envelope: any unpatched hole in the server is a tear that lets someone slip in and change the contents, so you must seal it right away.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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.
A government agency stores classified documents on a secure server. The server is connected to the internet, but access is restricted using a firewall and requires two-factor authentication. An auditor discovers that the server's operating system has not been patched for over a year, making it vulnerable to remote code execution attacks. Which security principle is most directly compromised by this missing patch, and what is the best corrective action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Integrity; apply the security patch immediately
Correct: Availability and integrity could be compromised by unpatched vulnerabilities. The best action is to apply the patch (B) as soon as possible. Option A is wrong because patching after testing is good but immediate application is needed; Option A delays; Option C is wrong because it doesn't fix the vulnerability; Option D is wrong because disconnecting all servers is excessive.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Confidentiality; test the patch in a dev environment first before applying to production
Why it's wrong here
Testing is good but delays patching; the vulnerability is critical and should be patched immediately.
✗
Non-repudiation; disconnect the server from the internet
Why it's wrong here
Disconnecting may prevent remote attacks but also disrupts legitimate access; patching is better.
✓
Integrity; apply the security patch immediately
Why this is correct
Prompt patching restores the integrity of the system and closes the vulnerability.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Availability; use a load balancer to distribute traffic
Why it's wrong here
Load balancing improves availability but does not address the unpatched vulnerability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Integrity; apply the security patch immediately — Correct: Availability and integrity could be compromised by unpatched vulnerabilities. The best action is to apply the patch (B) as soon as possible. Option A is wrong because patching after testing is good but immediate application is needed; Option A delays; Option C is wrong because it doesn't fix the vulnerability; Option D is wrong because disconnecting all servers is excessive.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CC NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company wants to ensure that a message received was not altered in transit. Which principle is of primary concern?
medium
A.Availability
B.Authentication
C.Confidentiality
✓ D.Integrity
Why D: Correct: D - Integrity. Integrity ensures data has not been modified by unauthorized parties. Option A is wrong because confidentiality protects against disclosure. Option B is wrong because availability ensures access. Option C is wrong because authentication verifies identity.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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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.
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