The correct answer is to implement multifactor authentication for all user accounts, as it is the most effective control against credential stuffing and weak password practices. Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an independent layer of security—such as a one-time code or biometric—so even if an attacker cracks or steals a password, they cannot access the account without the second factor. This directly addresses the core issue: credential stuffing attacks exploit reused or weak passwords, and MFA renders those stolen credentials useless. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of the Domain 5 (Identity and Access Management) concept that authentication strength depends on multiple factors, not just password complexity. A common trap is choosing longer or more complex passwords, but the exam emphasizes that MFA is the definitive defense against automated credential attacks. Remember the mnemonic “MFA beats the stuffer”—multifactor authentication stops credential stuffing dead in its tracks.
CISSP Security and Risk Management Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security and risk management. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization has implemented a password policy requiring a minimum of 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters. Despite annual security awareness training, a recent audit revealed that 60% of employees are using passwords that can be cracked within hours. The organization is also experiencing a high number of account compromises due to credential stuffing attacks. The security team is considering various controls to reduce the risk. Which of the following would be the MOST effective in addressing the identified issues?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "minimum / minimize"
Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement multifactor authentication for all user accounts
Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of credential compromise, even if passwords are weak. Increasing password length may help but is still vulnerable to cracking if users choose predictable patterns. Password cracking tests are reactive and may not prevent attacks. Frequent password changes often lead to weaker passwords.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Increase the minimum password length to 15 characters
Why it's wrong here
Longer passwords can be stronger, but users may still use patterns; does not prevent credential stuffing.
✗
Conduct quarterly password cracking attempts and notify users with weak passwords
Why it's wrong here
Reactive measure; does not prevent attacks in the interim.
✓
Implement multifactor authentication for all user accounts
Why this is correct
MFA provides defense in depth, reducing the impact of password compromise.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Require password changes every 30 days
Why it's wrong here
Frequent changes often lead to weaker or reused passwords; not effective against credential stuffing.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security and Risk Management — This question tests Security and Risk Management — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement multifactor authentication for all user accounts — Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of credential compromise, even if passwords are weak. Increasing password length may help but is still vulnerable to cracking if users choose predictable patterns. Password cracking tests are reactive and may not prevent attacks. Frequent password changes often lead to weaker passwords.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "minimum / minimize". Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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