ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
A legacy system cannot be patched due to vendor unavailability. Which compensating control would be most effective in reducing the risk of exploitation?
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
✓
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the system.
Network isolation prevents attackers from reaching the vulnerable system, while a WAF adds an additional layer of defense for web-based vulnerabilities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase logging and monitoring of the system.
Why it's wrong here
Monitoring detects but does not prevent exploitation.
- ✗
Perform weekly vulnerability scans on the system.
Why it's wrong here
Scans identify vulnerabilities but do not protect against exploitation.
- ✗
Apply a virtual patch using an intrusion prevention system (IPS).
Why it's wrong here
IPS can block exploit attempts; however, a WAF is more specific for web apps.
- ✓
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the system.
Why this is correct
WAF can filter malicious traffic targeting known vulnerabilities.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Risk Management and Security Controls
Key term
Risk
Risk is the possibility that an event or action will negatively affect an organization's ability to achieve its goals, often measured in terms of likelihood and impact.
Key term
WAF
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) is a security tool that filters, monitors, and blocks HTTP traffic to and from a web application to protect it from common attacks.
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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.