The answer is applying the latest security patches, disabling unnecessary services, and removing or disabling unused accounts. These three actions form the core of a server security baseline configuration because they directly reduce the attack surface and enforce the principle of least privilege. Patching closes known vulnerabilities, disabling services like Telnet or FTP removes potential entry points for exploitation, and removing unused accounts prevents dormant credentials from being leveraged for unauthorized access or privilege escalation. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of foundational system hardening, often appearing in questions about initial server setup or post-installation steps. A common trap is confusing “disabling services” with “uninstalling software”—the exam focuses on disabling via service managers like systemctl, not just deleting packages. To remember the triad, think of the mnemonic “PAD”: Patches, Accounts, Daemons.
ISC2 CC Security Operations Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security operations. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Which THREE of the following are essential components of a security baseline configuration for a server?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disable unnecessary services.
Disabling unnecessary services reduces the attack surface by removing potential entry points for exploitation. Services like Telnet, FTP, or unused web servers should be disabled via systemctl or service managers to prevent unauthorized access or privilege escalation.
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.
✓
Disable unnecessary services.
Why this is correct
Reduces the number of potential entry points.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Enable auditing and logging.
Why this is correct
Auditing enables detection and investigation of security events.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Apply the latest security patches.
Why this is correct
Patches address known vulnerabilities.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Install all optional software for functionality.
Why it's wrong here
Extra software increases attack surface and maintenance overhead.
✗
Grant administrative rights to all users.
Why it's wrong here
Violates principle of least privilege.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the principle of least functionality by making candidates think that installing all optional software ensures compatibility, when in reality it violates the core security baseline goal of reducing the attack surface.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A security baseline is a hardened configuration that minimizes risk by enforcing policies like disabling unused ports (e.g., via iptables or Windows Firewall), removing default accounts, and applying Group Policy Objects (GPOs) in Active Directory environments. In practice, tools like CIS Benchmarks or DISA STIGs provide specific registry keys or configuration file changes to lock down services such as SMBv1 or RDP.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disable unnecessary services. — Disabling unnecessary services reduces the attack surface by removing potential entry points for exploitation. Services like Telnet, FTP, or unused web servers should be disabled via systemctl or service managers to prevent unauthorized access or privilege escalation.
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.
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.
Question Discussion
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