ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
An organization has a legacy system that cannot be patched due to vendor end-of-life. The system is critical for operations. Which compensating control is most appropriate to reduce the risk of exploitation?
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
✓
Isolate the system on a separate network segment with strict access controls
Network isolation (segmentation) limits the system's exposure to potential attackers. A WAF can protect web-facing systems, but isolation is broader.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Isolate the system on a separate network segment with strict access controls
Why this is correct
Network isolation limits attack surface and is a common compensating control.
- ✗
Increase logging and monitoring without any network changes
Why it's wrong here
Monitoring alone does not prevent exploitation of unpatched vulnerabilities.
- ✗
Apply a virtual patch using a web application firewall
Why it's wrong here
WAF is useful for web applications, but not all legacy systems are web-facing.
- ✗
Remove the system from the network entirely
Why it's wrong here
This may be too disruptive if the system is critical.
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
Exposure
Exposure is the measure of potential loss or harm to an organization's assets when a vulnerability is exploited by a threat, often expressed as the window of time or degree of access an attacker has.
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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.