ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
An organization has a legacy system that cannot be patched due to vendor end-of-life. Which compensating control is most effective at reducing the risk of exploitation via network-based attacks?
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
✓
Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of the system
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) can block malicious traffic targeting known vulnerabilities, providing a layer of defense for unpatched systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increasing log retention for the system
Why it's wrong here
Log retention helps with detection, not prevention.
- ✗
Implementing strict password policies
Why it's wrong here
Password policies do not protect against network-based exploits.
- ✓
Deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) in front of the system
Why this is correct
Correct. A WAF can filter malicious traffic and mitigate attacks.
- ✗
Conducting regular security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Training addresses human factors, not technical vulnerabilities.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Risk Management and Security Controls
Key term
Compensating control
A compensating control is a security measure implemented to reduce risk when a primary control cannot be used or is insufficient.
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.