- A
Deploy a data classification and labeling solution integrated with endpoint and network DLP to automatically detect and protect sensitive data
A data-centric approach identifies sensitive data and applies automated controls, reducing the risk of exfiltration across all vectors.
- B
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts and backup interfaces
Why wrong: MFA reduces the risk of credential theft but does not prevent attacks that exploit vulnerabilities or insider threats.
- C
Encrypt all data at rest using AES-256 and implement strict key management policies
Why wrong: Encryption at rest protects against physical theft but does not prevent data exfiltration by an attacker who has legitimate access.
- D
Segment the backup network from the production network and enforce strict firewall rules
Why wrong: Network segmentation is a good defense-in-depth measure but does not address the need to classify and control sensitive data.
Quick Answer
The answer is to deploy a data classification and labeling solution integrated with endpoint and network DLP to automatically detect and protect sensitive data. This is the best long-term strategy because the breach exploited an inability to distinguish sensitive IP and PII from non-sensitive data, and classification combined with DLP directly addresses that root cause by enabling policy-based protections—such as blocking exfiltration or enforcing encryption—without relying on perimeter controls that failed. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the Data Security domain, specifically how data classification and DLP work together as compensating controls after a breach, and it’s a common trap to choose a perimeter-only fix like patching or MFA, which doesn’t solve the core problem of unlabeled data. Remember the memory tip: “Classify first, then DLP—label it to shield it.”
CISSP Asset Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of asset security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
You are the security architect for a multinational corporation that handles highly sensitive intellectual property (IP) and personally identifiable information (PII) for clients in multiple jurisdictions, including GDPR and CCPA regions. The company recently experienced a data breach where an attacker exfiltrated 50 GB of data from a file server by exploiting a vulnerability in the backup software. The backup software had been configured with default credentials and was accessible from the internet. The security team has implemented compensating controls, but management wants to prevent such incidents in the future. You have been asked to recommend a long-term strategy to protect sensitive data assets. The budget is limited, and the solution must minimize user friction. Current environment: On-premises Active Directory with Windows file servers, some data in AWS S3, and a mix of laptops and mobile devices. The organization uses Microsoft 365 for email and collaboration. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
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.
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 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
Deploy a data classification and labeling solution integrated with endpoint and network DLP to automatically detect and protect sensitive data
Option A is correct because data classification and labeling, integrated with endpoint and network DLP, directly addresses the root cause: the inability to distinguish sensitive data from non-sensitive data. By automatically classifying and labeling IP and PII, the organization can enforce policy-based protections (e.g., blocking exfiltration, applying encryption) without relying solely on perimeter controls. This minimizes user friction by automating detection and response, and it scales across on-premises, cloud (AWS S3), and Microsoft 365 environments, aligning with GDPR and CCPA requirements for data protection.
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.
- ✓
Deploy a data classification and labeling solution integrated with endpoint and network DLP to automatically detect and protect sensitive data
Why this is correct
A data-centric approach identifies sensitive data and applies automated controls, reducing the risk of exfiltration across all vectors.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrative accounts and backup interfaces
Why it's wrong here
MFA reduces the risk of credential theft but does not prevent attacks that exploit vulnerabilities or insider threats.
- ✗
Encrypt all data at rest using AES-256 and implement strict key management policies
Why it's wrong here
Encryption at rest protects against physical theft but does not prevent data exfiltration by an attacker who has legitimate access.
- ✗
Segment the backup network from the production network and enforce strict firewall rules
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation is a good defense-in-depth measure but does not address the need to classify and control sensitive data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose MFA or encryption as a silver bullet, but the CISSP exam emphasizes that data classification is the foundational control for protecting sensitive assets, especially when the threat involves data exfiltration via a compromised application, not just unauthorized access or theft of media.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Data classification and labeling solutions (e.g., Microsoft Information Protection, Boldon James) use content analysis, fingerprinting, and machine learning to automatically assign labels (e.g., 'Confidential', 'PII') based on regex patterns (e.g., SSNs, credit card numbers) or custom rules. These labels then trigger DLP actions at endpoints (via Windows File Server Resource Manager or Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps) and network gateways (e.g., Forcepoint DLP) to block unauthorized transfers, even over encrypted channels like HTTPS. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured backup agent with default credentials could still be exploited, but if the data is labeled, DLP policies can block the backup software from reading or transmitting labeled files, or alert on anomalous access patterns.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Asset Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Asset Security — This question tests Asset Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a data classification and labeling solution integrated with endpoint and network DLP to automatically detect and protect sensitive data — Option A is correct because data classification and labeling, integrated with endpoint and network DLP, directly addresses the root cause: the inability to distinguish sensitive data from non-sensitive data. By automatically classifying and labeling IP and PII, the organization can enforce policy-based protections (e.g., blocking exfiltration, applying encryption) without relying solely on perimeter controls. This minimizes user friction by automating detection and response, and it scales across on-premises, cloud (AWS S3), and Microsoft 365 environments, aligning with GDPR and CCPA requirements for data protection.
What should I do if I get this CISSP 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", "minimum / minimize". 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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