- A
Store encryption keys in the same cloud region as the data
Why wrong: Keys should be managed separately, often in a key management service (KMS) with separation.
- B
Deploy a Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tool
CSPM identifies and remediates misconfigurations.
- C
Disable multi-factor authentication for service accounts
Why wrong: Service accounts should have MFA where possible; disabling it weakens security.
- D
Use a Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP)
CWPP provides security for VMs and containers at runtime.
- E
Implement IAM roles with least privilege
Least privilege reduces the impact of compromised credentials.
Question 802 of 1,000
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application 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.
A cloud security architect is designing a solution to protect workloads running in a public cloud. Which THREE of the following are key security controls that should be implemented?
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 Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tool
IAM roles control permissions for cloud resources. CSPM detects misconfigurations. CWPP provides runtime protection for workloads.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 encryption keys in the same cloud region as the data
Why it's wrong here
Keys should be managed separately, often in a key management service (KMS) with separation.
- ✓
Deploy a Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tool
Why this is correct
CSPM identifies and remediates misconfigurations.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Disable multi-factor authentication for service accounts
Why it's wrong here
Service accounts should have MFA where possible; disabling it weakens security.
- ✓
Use a Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP)
Why this is correct
CWPP provides security for VMs and containers at runtime.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Implement IAM roles with least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege reduces the impact of compromised credentials.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Systems and Application Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Deploy a Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tool — IAM roles control permissions for cloud resources. CSPM detects misconfigurations. CWPP provides runtime protection for workloads.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.
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