hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security analyst notices that system logs are…
A security analyst notices that system logs are being overwritten before the retention period ends. What is the most likely cause?
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
✓
Log rotation settings are misconfigured
Misconfigured log rotation settings can cause logs to be overwritten before the retention period ends. Log rotation manages log file size and age; incorrect settings (e.g., too low a maximum file size or too short a rotation interval) can lead to premature overwriting. Option A is incorrect because malware deleting logs would remove them, not overwrite them. Option B is incorrect because a SIEM consuming logs does not inherently overwrite local logs; it reads or copies them. Option D is incorrect because insufficient disk space would typically cause log failure or inability to write new logs, not overwriting of existing logs.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Malware is deleting logs
Why it's wrong here
Malware deleting logs would remove them entirely, not overwrite them, so this is not the most likely cause of overwriting.
- ✗
SIEM is consuming logs too quickly
Why it's wrong here
SIEM consuming logs too quickly does not overwrite local logs; it usually reads or ingests them, leaving originals intact.
- ✓
Log rotation settings are misconfigured
Why this is correct
Log rotation settings misconfigured (e.g., small maximum file size or short rotation interval) cause logs to be overwritten prematurely, fitting the scenario.
- ✗
Disk space is insufficient
Why it's wrong here
Insufficient disk space would typically prevent new log writes or cause failures, not overwrite existing logs.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
SIEM
SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) is a system that collects and analyzes log data from across an IT environment to detect and respond to security threats in real time.
Key term
Malware
Malware is any software intentionally designed to cause damage, disrupt operations, steal data, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.
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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.