ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
An organization's security policy requires that all employees use unique, complex passwords for their domain accounts. A security analyst is reviewing a list of common password mistakes. Which of the following best describes a practice that undermines this policy?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse practices that support password security, such as using a password manager or enabling MFA, with those that undermine it, like reusing passwords.
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
✓
Reusing the same password across multiple systems and services.
The policy requires unique, complex passwords. Reusing the same password across multiple systems violates the uniqueness requirement and creates a cascading risk: compromise of one account can lead to compromise of others. This practice is a well-known security weakness. The other options either support the policy or are neutral, so password reuse is the clear answer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enabling multi-factor authentication on all domain accounts.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords and does not undermine the password policy. It complements the requirement for complex passwords. Therefore, this practice supports security rather than undermining it, so it is not the correct answer.
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Using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
Why it's wrong here
Using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords actually supports the policy by enabling complex, unique credentials without requiring memorization. It does not undermine the policy; it enhances compliance. Therefore, this is not the correct answer for a practice that undermines the policy.
- ✓
Reusing the same password across multiple systems and services.
Why this is correct
Reusing the same password across multiple systems means that if one system is breached, the attacker can access other systems using the same credentials. This directly violates the requirement for unique passwords and significantly increases risk. It is a common and dangerous practice that undermines the security policy, making it the correct choice.
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Changing passwords only when prompted by the system at 90-day intervals.
Why it's wrong here
Changing passwords at 90-day intervals as prompted by the system is a standard practice that aligns with many password policies. It does not inherently undermine the requirement for unique, complex passwords. While frequent forced changes can lead to weaker passwords, the practice itself is not a direct violation of the stated policy.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Risk Management and Security Controls
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
Key term
Risk
Risk is the possibility that an event or action will negatively affect an organization's ability to achieve its goals, often measured in terms of likelihood and impact.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.