The answer is to enable WPA3 encryption and implement MAC address filtering. WPA3 is the current gold standard for wireless security, using Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to replace the vulnerable Pre-Shared Key (PSK) handshake, which protects against offline dictionary attacks. MAC address filtering adds a secondary layer of access control by allowing only devices with pre-approved MAC addresses to connect, reducing the attack surface even though MACs can be spoofed. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of layered defense for wireless network security best practices; a common trap is assuming MAC filtering alone is sufficient or that WPA2 is still acceptable. Remember that WPA3 is the strongest encryption, while MAC filtering is a supplementary control—think of it as a lock on the door (WPA3) plus a guest list (MAC filtering). For a quick memory tip: “WPA3 for the key, MAC for the list.”
ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. 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 of the following are best practices for securing a wireless network? (Select exactly two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement MAC address filtering
Option C is correct because MAC address filtering restricts network access to devices with pre-approved MAC addresses, adding a layer of access control. While not foolproof (MACs can be spoofed), it is a recognized best practice for reducing the attack surface in small or home networks.
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.
✗
Use WEP encryption for compatibility
Why it's wrong here
WEP is deprecated and easily cracked.
✗
Disable SSID broadcast
Why it's wrong here
Disabling SSID broadcast is a weak security measure as attackers can discover the SSID easily.
✓
Implement MAC address filtering
Why this is correct
MAC filtering can restrict which devices can connect, though it can be spoofed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable DHCP and use static IP addressing
Why it's wrong here
Static IP addressing does not prevent unauthorized access and adds administrative burden.
✓
Enable WPA3 encryption
Why this is correct
WPA3 is the latest and most secure Wi-Fi encryption standard.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that hiding the SSID or using static IPs are effective security measures, when in fact they are easily bypassed and do not protect against modern wireless attacks.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
WPA3 uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) to replace the Pre-Shared Key (PSK) handshake, providing forward secrecy and resistance to offline dictionary attacks. In a real-world scenario, even with MAC filtering enabled, an attacker can use airodump-ng to capture allowed MACs and then spoof them, so it should be combined with strong encryption like WPA3 for defense-in-depth.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement MAC address filtering — Option C is correct because MAC address filtering restricts network access to devices with pre-approved MAC addresses, adding a layer of access control. While not foolproof (MACs can be spoofed), it is a recognized best practice for reducing the attack surface in small or home networks.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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