- A
Implement air-gapped backups stored offline
Why wrong: Air-gapped backups would prevent online encryption, but the scenario specifically mentions stored credentials were used; air-gapping does not address credential compromise directly.
- B
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access
MFA mitigates the risk of credential theft, as the attacker would need an additional factor to authenticate.
- C
Encrypt backup data at rest and in transit
Why wrong: Encryption protects data confidentiality but does not prevent an attacker from deleting or encrypting backups if they gain access.
- D
Use a separate VLAN for backup traffic
Why wrong: Network segmentation alone does not prevent an attacker who has already gained access to the backup system via stolen credentials.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access because this directly prevents an attacker from using stolen or stored credentials to authenticate and encrypt backups. Even if network segmentation is in place, MFA adds a second layer of verification—such as a one-time code or biometric—that a credential thief cannot bypass, effectively neutralizing the attack vector described. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your understanding of defense-in-depth and the specific role of authentication controls in protecting backup integrity. A common trap is to assume network segmentation alone is sufficient, but the question highlights that stored credentials can still be reused across segments. Remember the memory tip: “MFA stops the replay—don’t let credentials lead the way.”
ISC2 CC Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of business continuity, dr & incident response. 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.
An organization experiences a ransomware attack that encrypts critical file servers. The backups are stored on a separate network segment but are also encrypted. The incident response team suspects the attacker compromised the backup system using stored credentials. Which best practice should have been implemented to prevent this?
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 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
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access
Option B is correct because enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access would have prevented the attacker from using stored credentials to compromise the backup system. MFA requires an additional authentication factor beyond just a password or stored token, making credential theft or reuse insufficient for access. This directly addresses the attack vector described—stolen credentials—rather than relying solely on network segmentation or encryption.
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.
- ✗
Implement air-gapped backups stored offline
Why it's wrong here
Air-gapped backups would prevent online encryption, but the scenario specifically mentions stored credentials were used; air-gapping does not address credential compromise directly.
- ✓
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access
Why this is correct
MFA mitigates the risk of credential theft, as the attacker would need an additional factor to authenticate.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Encrypt backup data at rest and in transit
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data confidentiality but does not prevent an attacker from deleting or encrypting backups if they gain access.
- ✗
Use a separate VLAN for backup traffic
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation alone does not prevent an attacker who has already gained access to the backup system via stolen credentials.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between preventive controls that stop the attack vector (MFA on access) versus controls that mitigate damage after compromise (air gaps, encryption, VLANs), leading candidates to choose network segmentation or encryption instead of addressing the credential theft directly.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Air-gapped backups would prevent online encryption, but the scenario specifically mentions stored credentials were used; air-gapping does not address credential compromise directly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
MFA typically combines something you know (password), something you have (e.g., a TOTP token from an authenticator app or a hardware security key), or something you are (biometric). In this scenario, even if the attacker harvested stored credentials (e.g., from a domain controller or a password manager), they would still need the second factor to authenticate to the backup system. Real-world ransomware groups like Conti and REvil have specifically targeted backup systems by stealing credentials from admin workstations; MFA on backup access would have blocked these lateral movement attempts.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CC questions
500 questions across all exam domains
- →
ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CC practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CC practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls Concepts practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to Access Controls Concepts.
Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response.
Security Principles practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to Security Principles.
Network Security practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to Network Security.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to Security Operations.
CC fundamentals practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to CC fundamentals.
CC scenario practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to CC scenario.
CC troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CC questions linked to CC troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CC practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CC question test?
Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — This question tests Business Continuity, DR & Incident Response — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access — Option B is correct because enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on backup system access would have prevented the attacker from using stored credentials to compromise the backup system. MFA requires an additional authentication factor beyond just a password or stored token, making credential theft or reuse insufficient for access. This directly addresses the attack vector described—stolen credentials—rather than relying solely on network segmentation or encryption.
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.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More CC practice questions
- A security analyst discovers that a user's account has been used to access sensitive data outside of normal business hou…
- An organization wants to ensure that data remains unaltered during transmission over the internet. Which security goal i…
- A security auditor discovers that a user has been granted read and write access to a sensitive file, but the user's job…
- A company's network uses 802.1X authentication with PEAP-MSCHAPv2 on wired ports. Users report that after a recent switc…
- During a security audit, a penetration tester captures network traffic and finds that some packets have the IP ID field…
- A security operations team is implementing a new SIEM solution. They want to ensure that logs from all critical systems…
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.