easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Integrity: Missing Patches on Classified Server
A government agency stores classified documents on a secure server. The server is connected to the internet, but access is restricted using a firewall and requires two-factor authentication. An auditor discovers that the server's operating system has not been patched for over a year, making it vulnerable to remote code execution attacks. Which security principle is most directly compromised by this missing patch, and what is the best corrective action?
Quick Answer
The answer is integrity, and the best corrective action is to apply the security patch immediately. Integrity is compromised because missing patches create vulnerabilities that allow unauthorized code execution, which can alter or corrupt classified data without detection. While availability is also at risk, the core principle violated here is integrity, as the server holds sensitive documents where unauthorized modification is the primary threat. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your ability to prioritize integrity over availability when data classification is involved, and it often includes a trap where candidates choose to test the patch first—but in a classified environment, immediate application is required to close the critical vulnerability. A common memory tip is to think of classified data as a sealed envelope: any unpatched hole in the server is a tear that lets someone slip in and change the contents, so you must seal it right away.
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse availability with integrity. Unpatched vulnerabilities pose a direct threat to data integrity via unauthorized modification, not just system availability.
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
✓
Integrity; apply the security patch immediately
Integrity. An unpatched vulnerability that allows remote code execution directly compromises integrity because an attacker could modify or delete data on the server. The best corrective action is to apply the security patch immediately to close the vulnerability. While testing in a dev environment is good practice, the urgency of a remote code execution risk requires immediate patching in production after appropriate risk assessment. Confidentiality and availability could also be affected, but integrity is the most directly compromised principle because code execution enables data alteration. Option A delays patching, which is not ideal given the severity. Option B is excessive and disrupts operations. Option D does not address the vulnerability.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Confidentiality; test the patch in a dev environment first before applying to production
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality is not the most directly compromised principle, and testing in dev first is prudent but delaying the patch is not the best corrective action given the severity.
- ✗
Non-repudiation; disconnect the server from the internet
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation is not the primary concern; disconnecting from the internet is overly disruptive and unnecessary when a patch exists.
- ✓
Integrity; apply the security patch immediately
Why this is correct
Integrity is most directly compromised by remote code execution, which allows unauthorized modification of data. Applying the patch immediately is the best corrective action.
- ✗
Availability; use a load balancer to distribute traffic
Why it's wrong here
Availability could be affected, but load balancing does not address the vulnerability; patching is the correct action.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Integrity
Integrity is the assurance that data has not been altered or tampered with in an unauthorized way, preserving its accuracy and consistency from source to destination.
Key term
Authentication
Authentication is the process of verifying that someone or something is who or what it claims to be before granting access to a system or resource.
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This CC question is part of Courseiva's 976-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CC
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company wants to ensure that a message received was not altered in transit. Which principle is of primary concern?
medium- A.Availability
- B.Authentication
- C.Confidentiality
- ✓ D.Integrity
Why D: Correct: D. Integrity ensures data has not been modified in transit. Option A (Availability) ensures that systems are accessible when needed, not related to data alteration. Option B (Authentication) verifies the identity of users or systems, not data integrity. Option C (Confidentiality) protects data from unauthorized disclosure, not modification.
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.