ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing firewall logs and notices an unusually high number of blocked outbound connections to a single external IP address. Which TWO actions should the analyst take to investigate this potential security incident? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Check threat intelligence feeds for the external IP address.
Investigating the source system helps determine if it is compromised; checking threat intelligence can reveal if the IP is known malicious.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check threat intelligence feeds for the external IP address.
Why this is correct
Threat intelligence can confirm if the IP is associated with malicious activity.
- ✗
Increase logging for all traffic to that IP.
Why it's wrong here
Logging alone does not investigate; it only provides more data.
- ✗
Disable the firewall rule that is blocking the connections.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the rule would allow the traffic.
- ✗
Block all outbound traffic from the source system.
Why it's wrong here
Blocking may be premature before full investigation.
- ✓
Identify the internal system generating the connections.
Why this is correct
Finding the source helps isolate the compromised host.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Threat intelligence
Threat intelligence is evidence-based knowledge about existing or emerging cyber threats that helps organizations defend against attacks.
Key term
Incident
An incident is a security event that violates an organization's policies or threatens its data, systems, or operations, requiring a structured response.
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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.