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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which THREE are common indicators of a…
Which THREE are common indicators of a compromised system? (Select THREE.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between symptoms of normal operations (e.g., high CPU usage during business hours) and true indicators of compromise, tricking candidates into selecting benign metrics as signs of a breach.
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
✓
Unexpected software installations
Unexpected software installations are a common indicator of compromise because attackers often deploy malware, backdoors, or remote access tools (RATs) without user consent. In a CC context, this aligns with the principle that unauthorized software changes signal a breach, as legitimate installations typically follow change management processes. The presence of unknown executables or services in the system's process list or startup entries is a red flag.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Unexpected software installations
Why this is correct
Malware often installs without user consent.
- ✓
Unusual outbound network connections
Why this is correct
Often indicative of command and control or data exfiltration.
- ✗
High CPU usage during business hours
Why it's wrong here
Could be legitimate heavy usage.
- ✗
System uptime greater than 30 days
Why it's wrong here
This is common for servers; not an indicator.
- ✓
Multiple failed login attempts leading to account lockout
Why this is correct
Indicates a brute-force attack.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Risk Management and Security Controls
Key term
Indicator of compromise
An indicator of compromise is a piece of digital evidence—such as a suspicious file hash, IP address, or unusual network pattern—that suggests a system may have been breached by an attacker.
Key term
Change management
Change management is the structured process of planning, approving, implementing, and reviewing changes to IT systems to minimize risk and disruption.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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