The answer is deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) agents on all workstations and implementing a security information and event management (SIEM) system with centralized logging. These two actions are most effective for reducing mean time to detect because EDR agents provide continuous, real-time visibility into endpoint activity, instantly flagging suspicious behaviors like unauthorized process execution or lateral movement, while a SIEM aggregates and correlates logs from across the network to surface indicators of compromise within minutes rather than hours. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of detection controls versus prevention controls—a common trap is confusing MTTD with mean time to respond (MTTR) or choosing a preventive tool like a firewall. Remember that detection speed relies on visibility and correlation, not just blocking. A useful memory tip: “EDR spots the sneeze, SIEM connects the cough—together they catch the cold fast.”
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.
Which TWO actions are most effective in reducing the mean time to detect (MTTD) a security incident?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implementing a SIEM with centralized logging from critical systems
Option B is correct because a SIEM with centralized logging aggregates and correlates logs from critical systems, enabling real-time analysis and automated alerting. This drastically reduces MTTD by surfacing indicators of compromise (IoCs) within minutes rather than hours or days, as manual log review would require.
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.
✗
Requiring multi-factor authentication for all remote access
Why it's wrong here
MFA is a preventive control, not a detective control.
✓
Implementing a SIEM with centralized logging from critical systems
Why this is correct
SIEM correlates events and alerts analysts, reducing detection time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Conducting annual security awareness training for all employees
Why it's wrong here
Annual training helps prevent incidents but does not significantly reduce detection time.
✓
Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) agents on all workstations
Why this is correct
EDR provides real-time monitoring and alerts on suspicious activity, reducing MTTD.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Standardizing firewall rules across all network segments
Why it's wrong here
Standardization improves security posture but does not directly impact detection speed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse preventive controls (MFA, training, firewall rules) with detective controls, failing to recognize that only logging and monitoring tools directly reduce the time to detect an incident.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A SIEM works by ingesting syslog (UDP 514) or Windows Event Log (WEF) data, normalizing it into a common schema (e.g., CEF or LEEF), and applying correlation rules (e.g., 5 failed logins in 60 seconds) to trigger alerts. In a real-world scenario, an attacker moving laterally via SMB (port 445) would generate Event ID 4625 failures; centralized logging catches this pattern across multiple hosts, whereas isolated logs would remain unnoticed until a manual review.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
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: Implementing a SIEM with centralized logging from critical systems — Option B is correct because a SIEM with centralized logging aggregates and correlates logs from critical systems, enabling real-time analysis and automated alerting. This drastically reduces MTTD by surfacing indicators of compromise (IoCs) within minutes rather than hours or days, as manual log review would require.
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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