easyMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are best practices for…
Which TWO of the following are best practices for password management in a corporate environment?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that frequent password changes improve security, but the CC exam expects candidates to know that NIST now recommends against mandatory periodic changes unless there is evidence of compromise, and that sharing passwords is never a best practice.
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
✓
Enforce password complexity requirements.
Enforcing password complexity requirements (e.g., minimum length, character types) reduces the risk of brute-force and dictionary attacks by increasing the effective keyspace. Option E is correct because multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security beyond the password, mitigating credential theft or reuse. Together, they form a defense-in-depth approach to authentication security.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Store passwords in plaintext in a shared document.
Why it's wrong here
Plaintext storage is a major security risk.
- ✓
Enforce password complexity requirements.
Why this is correct
Complex passwords are harder to guess or crack.
- ✗
Prohibit password changes more than once per year.
Why it's wrong here
Periodic changes reduce risk from compromised credentials.
- ✗
Share passwords among team members for shared accounts.
Why it's wrong here
Sharing passwords increases risk of unauthorized access and loss of accountability.
- ✓
Implement multi-factor authentication.
Why this is correct
MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Risk
Risk is the possibility that an event or action will negatively affect an organization's ability to achieve its goals, often measured in terms of likelihood and impact.
Key term
MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires a user to verify their identity using two or more different types of evidence, such as a password plus a code from a phone, before they can access an account or system.
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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.