hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which THREE of the following are essential…
Which THREE of the following are essential components of a security baseline configuration for a server?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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
✓
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.
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.
- ✓
Enable auditing and logging.
Why this is correct
Auditing enables detection and investigation of security events.
- ✓
Apply the latest security patches.
Why this is correct
Patches address known vulnerabilities.
- ✗
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Baseline
A baseline is a documented starting point for the normal performance and behavior of a system, network, or component, used to detect changes and troubleshoot issues.
Key term
Telnet
Telnet is a network protocol that provides a bidirectional, interactive text-based communication session between two machines over a network, typically used for remote access and management of network devices.
About these practice questions
One of 976 original CC practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.