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SSCP A company detects ransomware on a file server Practice Question
A company detects ransomware on a file server. The ransomware is currently encrypting files. Which containment strategy should be implemented FIRST?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to choose to run antivirus first, thinking removal stops the attack, but the SSCP exam emphasizes that containment (stopping the spread) must precede eradication (removing the malware).
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
✓
Disconnect the server from the network
The immediate priority in ransomware containment is to isolate the compromised server from the network to prevent the encryption process from spreading to other systems. Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the network interface stops the ransomware from communicating with command-and-control servers and blocks lateral movement via SMB or other protocols. This containment step must occur before any remediation like antivirus scans or file restoration.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Run antivirus to remove the ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus may be used for eradication but should not be run while ransomware is active; containment first.
- ✗
Notify all users to change passwords
Why it's wrong here
Password changes are important but not the immediate containment action.
- ✓
Disconnect the server from the network
Why this is correct
Network isolation prevents lateral movement and further encryption.
- ✗
Restore files from backup
Why it's wrong here
Restoration is part of recovery, which occurs after containment.
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About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every SSCP question from scratch — 920 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.