Quick Answer
The correct answer is to deploy a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS). WPA2-Enterprise relies on 802.1X for strong authentication, but it only validates users, not the access points themselves, leaving the network vulnerable to rogue APs that broadcast a legitimate SSID to capture credentials. A WIPS continuously scans the RF spectrum, analyzing beacon frames and probe responses to identify unauthorized devices, and can automatically contain them by sending deauthentication frames or alerting administrators. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding that authentication protocols alone cannot prevent physical-layer threats; a common trap is choosing “enable MAC filtering” or “increase encryption strength,” which do not detect rogue devices. Remember the memory tip: “WPA2 locks the door, but WIPS watches the window”—the key is that WIPS provides active, real-time protection against rogue access points that WPA2-Enterprise cannot see.
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 company uses WPA2-Enterprise for wireless authentication. What additional security measure should be implemented to protect against rogue access points?
Enable MAC filtering
Why wrong: MAC addresses can be spoofed, providing limited security.
Deploy a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS)
WIPS detects and prevents rogue access points.
Implement 802.1X with mutual authentication
Why wrong: Mutual authentication verifies both client and AP but does not actively detect rogues.
Use WPA3
Why wrong: WPA3 improves encryption but does not detect rogue APs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Deploy a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS)
WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X for authentication, but it does not inherently detect or block rogue access points (APs) that mimic legitimate SSIDs. A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) continuously monitors the RF spectrum, identifies unauthorized APs by analyzing beacon frames, probe responses, and MAC addresses, and can automatically contain them by sending deauthentication frames or alerting administrators. This is the most direct and effective measure to protect against rogue APs in an enterprise WLAN.
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.
Enable MAC filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC addresses can be spoofed, providing limited security.
Deploy a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS)
Why this is correct
WIPS detects and prevents rogue access points.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Implement 802.1X with mutual authentication
Why it's wrong here
Mutual authentication verifies both client and AP but does not actively detect rogues.
Use WPA3
Why it's wrong here
WPA3 improves encryption but does not detect rogue APs.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the misconception that WPA2-Enterprise or 802.1X alone can prevent rogue APs, but the trap is that these protocols authenticate users and servers, not the physical AP device itself, leaving the network vulnerable to rogue APs that broadcast the same SSID.
Detailed technical explanation
WIPS works by deploying sensors (or using APs in monitor mode) that capture 802.11 management frames, such as beacon and probe response frames, and compare them against a policy database. Rogue APs are often identified by detecting mismatches in SSID, BSSID, channel, supported rates, or vendor-specific information elements (IEs). In real-world scenarios, a rogue AP can be a low-cost consumer device plugged into an open Ethernet port, and WIPS can automatically disable the switch port via SNMP or 802.1X (RADIUS CoA) to contain the threat.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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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: Deploy a wireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) — WPA2-Enterprise uses 802.1X for authentication, but it does not inherently detect or block rogue access points (APs) that mimic legitimate SSIDs. A Wireless Intrusion Prevention System (WIPS) continuously monitors the RF spectrum, identifies unauthorized APs by analyzing beacon frames, probe responses, and MAC addresses, and can automatically contain them by sending deauthentication frames or alerting administrators. This is the most direct and effective measure to protect against rogue APs in an enterprise WLAN.
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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