The correct answer is to deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access and critical systems. This is the best defense against phishing because MFA adds a second layer of verification—such as a one-time code from an authenticator app or a biometric scan—so even if an employee’s password is stolen through a fake website, the attacker cannot complete the login without that second factor. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of authentication controls and how they directly mitigate credential theft, a core concept in access management. A common trap is choosing password complexity or rotation policies, which do nothing to stop a user from willingly entering credentials on a phishing page. Remember the memory tip: “MFA breaks the phish—one factor down, still locked out.”
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 mid-sized company has a network with 200 employees. The security team has implemented a policy that requires all employees to use complex passwords and change them every 60 days. However, the company has experienced multiple phishing attacks where employees have willingly provided their credentials to fake websites. The CEO wants to implement a more robust authentication method. The company uses Microsoft Active Directory and has a budget for new security tools. They also have a remote workforce. Which of the following is the BEST course of action to address the phishing risk?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access and critical systems
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces the risk of credential theft because even if a password is phished, the attacker cannot authenticate without the second factor. The other options either do not address phishing directly or are less effective.
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.
✗
Increase password complexity requirements and change frequency to every 30 days
Why it's wrong here
This does not prevent phishing; users will still give away complex passwords.
✗
Conduct annual phishing awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Training is important but not as effective as MFA; phishing attacks are sophisticated.
✓
Deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access and critical systems
Why this is correct
Correct. MFA adds a second layer that phished passwords cannot bypass.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Implement a password manager for all employees
Why it's wrong here
Password managers help with password hygiene but do not prevent phishing if the user still enters credentials into fake sites.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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
An employee at a financial services firm receives an email that appears to come from the IT helpdesk, asking them to reset their password via a link. The link leads to a convincing fake portal that harvests credentials. Security teams use phishing simulations and security-awareness training to reduce this attack vector. Questions like this test whether you can identify social engineering techniques and appropriate controls.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all remote access and critical systems — Multi-factor authentication (MFA) significantly reduces the risk of credential theft because even if a password is phished, the attacker cannot authenticate without the second factor. The other options either do not address phishing directly or are less effective.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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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