The answer is Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) and configuring static ARP entries on critical servers. DAI leverages DHCP snooping binding tables to validate every ARP packet, dropping any spoofed replies that claim an incorrect IP-to-MAC mapping, which directly prevents an attacker from impersonating a trusted host. Static ARP entries hardcode the mapping on essential devices, so they ignore all unsolicited ARP replies, effectively blocking redirection attempts. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of network security controls at Layer 2; a common trap is confusing ARP spoofing detection with general packet filtering or firewall rules. Remember the memory tip: “DAI drops the liar, static locks the door.”
ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
A security team is investigating a potential ARP spoofing attack on the local network. Which two measures can effectively detect or prevent such attacks? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable DHCP snooping with Dynamic ARP Inspection.
Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) uses DHCP snooping binding tables to validate ARP packets, ensuring that only legitimate IP-to-MAC address mappings are accepted. This directly prevents ARP spoofing by dropping malicious ARP replies that do not match the binding table. Configuring static ARP entries on critical servers hardcodes the IP-to-MAC mapping, so the server will ignore any spoofed ARP replies attempting to redirect traffic.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Use MAC address filtering on switches.
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering limits which MACs can connect but does not prevent ARP cache poisoning.
✗
Enable STP BPDU guard.
Why it's wrong here
BPDU guard protects against rogue switches, not ARP spoofing.
✓
Configure static ARP entries on critical servers.
Why this is correct
Static ARP entries prevent spoofing of specific IPs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between Layer 2 security features (like DAI and DHCP snooping) and Layer 3 or other mitigation techniques (like ICMP redirects or BPDU guard), leading candidates to confuse unrelated security controls with ARP-specific defenses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DAI intercepts all ARP requests and responses on untrusted ports and verifies them against the DHCP snooping database; if the source MAC, IP, and switch port do not match the binding, the packet is dropped. Static ARP entries bypass the ARP resolution process entirely, preventing the cache from being poisoned by spoofed replies. In a real-world scenario, an attacker could use a tool like Ettercap to send forged ARP replies; DAI would drop them if the IP-MAC pair is not in the binding table, while static entries on a critical server would ignore them outright.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable DHCP snooping with Dynamic ARP Inspection. — Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI) uses DHCP snooping binding tables to validate ARP packets, ensuring that only legitimate IP-to-MAC address mappings are accepted. This directly prevents ARP spoofing by dropping malicious ARP replies that do not match the binding table. Configuring static ARP entries on critical servers hardcodes the IP-to-MAC mapping, so the server will ignore any spoofed ARP replies attempting to redirect traffic.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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