easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A company implements a policy that requires all…
A company implements a policy that requires all employees to change their passwords every 60 days. Which of the following is the PRIMARY security benefit of this requirement?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between a primary security benefit and a secondary compliance or administrative convenience; the trap here is that candidates see 'compliance' (Option A) and assume it is the main goal, but the actual security rationale is limiting the window of opportunity for a compromised password.
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
✓
Limiting the window of opportunity for a compromised password.
Password expiration policies limit the exposure window for compromised credentials. If an attacker obtains a password, the 60-day rotation ensures that the stolen credential becomes invalid after that period, reducing the time an attacker can maintain unauthorized access. This is a fundamental security control to mitigate the risk of undetected credential theft.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Ensuring compliance with data privacy laws.
Why it's wrong here
Compliance may be a secondary benefit, not primary security.
- ✗
Reducing the risk of password reuse across multiple sites.
Why it's wrong here
Password reuse is mitigated by policies against reuse, not frequency.
- ✓
Limiting the window of opportunity for a compromised password.
Why this is correct
The shorter the validity, the less time an attacker has.
- ✗
Simplifying the account lockout process.
Why it's wrong here
Password changes do not affect lockout settings.
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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.