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CISSP Practice Question: Which TWO are common techniques to defend against…

Which TWO are common techniques to defend against VLAN hopping attacks? (Choose two.)

⚠ Common exam trap

ISC2 often tests the distinction between DTP-related defenses (disabling DTP, setting static access) and other Layer 2 security features like BPDU Guard or Port Security, leading candidates to confuse STP or MAC-based protections with VLAN hopping countermeasures.

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

Disable DTP

Disabling Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) on all switch ports prevents interfaces from automatically negotiating trunk links, which is the primary vector for VLAN hopping attacks. By setting ports to 'switchport mode access' and disabling DTP with 'switchport nonegotiate', an attacker cannot trick the switch into forming a trunk and gain access to traffic from multiple VLANs.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • Disable DTP

    Why this is correct

    DTP can be exploited to negotiate a trunk, enabling hopping.

  • Enable BPDU Guard

    Why it's wrong here

    BPDU Guard protects against STP attacks, not VLAN hopping.

  • Use Private VLANs

    Why it's wrong here

    Private VLANs limit traffic within a broadcast domain but don't prevent trunk attacks.

  • Enable Port Security

    Why it's wrong here

    Port security limits MAC addresses but does not prevent VLAN hopping.

  • Set access ports as static VLAN

    Why this is correct

    Static access ports do not negotiate trunks, reducing hopping risk.

Visual reference

Switch VLAN 10 Sales (192.168.10.0/24) PC-A PC-B VLAN 20 HR (192.168.20.0/24) PC-C PC-D Router VLANs isolate traffic — inter-VLAN routing requires a Layer 3 device

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

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.