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ISC2 CC Practice Question: A SOC analyst is reviewing a security alert about…
A SOC analyst is reviewing a security alert about a potential brute-force attack on the company's VPN server. The analyst sees multiple failed login attempts from different IP addresses within a short time frame. Which TWO actions should the analyst take to verify and respond to this 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
✓
Implement an account lockout policy after a certain number of failed attempts
Options A and B are correct. Implementing an account lockout policy after a certain number of failed attempts helps mitigate brute-force attacks by slowing down attackers. Reviewing VPN server logs for successful logins following the failed attempts helps determine if the attack succeeded and if any accounts were compromised. Option C (notifying all users to change passwords) is premature and may cause unnecessary alarm; password changes should be based on confirmed compromise. Option D (blocking all source IPs) is not practical because attackers often use many IPs, and legitimate users may be affected. Option E (disabling VPN access) would disrupt business operations and is an extreme measure not yet warranted.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implement an account lockout policy after a certain number of failed attempts
Why this is correct
Lockout policies mitigate brute-force attacks by limiting attempts.
- ✓
Review the VPN server logs for any successful logins following the failed attempts
Why this is correct
This helps determine if the attack led to a breach.
- ✗
Notify all users to change their passwords immediately
Why it's wrong here
Not necessary unless a breach is confirmed.
- ✗
Block all source IP addresses that appeared in the failed attempts
Why it's wrong here
Blocking all IPs may block legitimate users and is not effective if IPs are spoofed.
- ✗
Disable VPN access until the attack source is identified
Why it's wrong here
Disabling VPN disrupts business operations and is an overreaction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server, protecting your data and hiding your online activity.
Key term
Account lockout
Account lockout is a security feature that temporarily disables a user account after a set number of failed login attempts to prevent unauthorized access.
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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.