easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security analyst is reviewing event logs and…
A security analyst is reviewing event logs and notices multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address followed by a successful login. Which TWO actions should the analyst take next?
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
✓
Escalate to the incident response team.
Options B and C are correct. Investigating the source IP address for malicious activity (C) helps determine if there is a broader threat, and escalating to the incident response team (B) ensures proper handling. The other options—disabling the account, blocking the IP at the firewall, or resetting the password—may be necessary later but should not be performed without further investigation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disable the user account immediately.
Why it's wrong here
Premature without confirming compromise; could alert an attacker and disrupt legitimate work.
- ✓
Escalate to the incident response team.
Why this is correct
Escalation ensures proper handling and coordination, especially if the incident indicates a broader attack.
- ✓
Investigate the source IP address for malicious activity.
Why this is correct
Essential to determine if the IP is known for attacks or part of a targeted campaign.
- ✗
Block the IP address at the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking may be appropriate later, but investigation and escalation should come first to gather threat intelligence.
- ✗
Reset the password for the affected account.
Why it's wrong here
Should be done after confirming compromise, but immediate password reset may tip off an attacker.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Incident response
Incident response is the structured approach an organization uses to identify, contain, and recover from cybersecurity incidents like data breaches or ransomware attacks.
Key term
Threat
A threat is any potential danger that could harm a computer system, network, or data, whether from a malicious hacker, a natural disaster, or an accidental mistake.
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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.