Quick Answer
The correct choices are DHCP Snooping and Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI). DHCP Snooping prevents man-in-the-middle attacks on a switched network by filtering untrusted DHCP messages on access ports, which stops a rogue DHCP server from assigning malicious IP configurations that could redirect traffic. DAI then validates ARP packets against the DHCP Snooping binding table, blocking spoofed ARP replies that would otherwise allow an attacker to intercept traffic. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this pair is a classic two-part defense against Layer 2 MITM threats, often tested as a combined answer where one measure feeds the other. A common trap is choosing only one or confusing DAI with port security; remember that DHCP Snooping builds the trust, and DAI enforces it. Memory tip: “Snoop first, then inspect” — DHCP Snooping creates the map, DAI checks the cars.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An organization wants to protect against man-in-the-middle attacks on a switched network. Which TWO measures should be implemented? (Choose two.)
BPDU guard
Why wrong: BPDU guard protects against STP attacks.
Port security
Why wrong: Port security limits MAC addresses but does not prevent ARP spoofing.
DHCP Snooping
DHCP Snooping builds a binding table to prevent rogue DHCP servers.
Storm control
Why wrong: Storm control limits broadcast/multicast storms.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
DAI validates ARP packets using DHCP snooping bindings.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DHCP Snooping
C is correct because DHCP Snooping filters untrusted DHCP messages on access ports, preventing a rogue DHCP server from assigning malicious IP configurations that enable man-in-the-middle attacks. D is correct because Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) validates ARP packets against the DHCP Snooping binding table, blocking spoofed ARP replies that would redirect traffic through an attacker.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
BPDU guard
Why it's wrong here
BPDU guard protects against STP attacks.
Port security
Why it's wrong here
Port security limits MAC addresses but does not prevent ARP spoofing.
DHCP Snooping
Why this is correct
DHCP Snooping builds a binding table to prevent rogue DHCP servers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Storm control
Why it's wrong here
Storm control limits broadcast/multicast storms.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI)
Why this is correct
DAI validates ARP packets using DHCP snooping bindings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between Layer 2 attack mitigation features, and the trap here is that candidates confuse BPDU guard or port security with ARP/DHCP protections, not realizing that MITM attacks specifically require validation of IP-to-MAC bindings.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP Snooping builds a binding table of legitimate DHCP leases by tracking DHCPACK messages, and DAI uses this table to verify that each ARP packet’s source MAC and IP match a valid binding. In a real-world scenario, an attacker connecting to an untrusted port cannot spoof the gateway’s IP because DAI drops any ARP reply with a mismatch, even if the attacker sends a gratuitous ARP. The trust boundary is enforced by configuring uplink ports as trusted and access ports as untrusted, which is critical for both features to function correctly.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP Snooping — C is correct because DHCP Snooping filters untrusted DHCP messages on access ports, preventing a rogue DHCP server from assigning malicious IP configurations that enable man-in-the-middle attacks. D is correct because Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) validates ARP packets against the DHCP Snooping binding table, blocking spoofed ARP replies that would redirect traffic through an attacker.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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