- A
Enable host-based firewalls on each VM
Why wrong: Firewalls secure traffic, not manage VM inventory.
- B
Implement a CMDB with lifecycle management policies
CMDB tracks VM inventory and enforces lifecycle processes.
- C
Apply patches to the hypervisor regularly
Why wrong: Patching prevents escapes but not sprawl.
- D
Use a centralized snapshot management system
Why wrong: Snapshots are for backup, not controlling VM proliferation.
Question 998 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 company is concerned about VM sprawl in its data center. Which of the following is the most effective mitigation strategy?
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
✓
Implement a CMDB with lifecycle management policies
VM sprawl refers to unmanaged VMs accumulating. A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) with lifecycle management tracks VMs from creation to decommission. Hypervisor patching prevents escapes. Snapshots are for recovery. Host-based firewalls protect individual VMs but do not manage sprawl.
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.
- ✗
Enable host-based firewalls on each VM
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls secure traffic, not manage VM inventory.
- ✓
Implement a CMDB with lifecycle management policies
Why this is correct
CMDB tracks VM inventory and enforces lifecycle processes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Apply patches to the hypervisor regularly
Why it's wrong here
Patching prevents escapes but not sprawl.
- ✗
Use a centralized snapshot management system
Why it's wrong here
Snapshots are for backup, not controlling VM proliferation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a CMDB with lifecycle management policies — VM sprawl refers to unmanaged VMs accumulating. A Configuration Management Database (CMDB) with lifecycle management tracks VMs from creation to decommission. Hypervisor patching prevents escapes. Snapshots are for recovery. Host-based firewalls protect individual VMs but do not manage sprawl.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: 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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