hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A company uses a Cloud Workload Protection…
A company uses a Cloud Workload Protection Platform (CWPP) to secure IaaS workloads. They discover that a virtual machine (VM) is communicating with a known command-and-control server. What is the FIRST action the security team should take?
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
✓
Immediately isolate the VM by removing it from the network
The first priority is to stop the malicious communication and prevent lateral movement. Isolating the VM immediately contains the threat. Option B (run antivirus) is not the first action because the infection is already active; scanning can be done after isolation. Option C (terminate VM) is too aggressive and may cause data loss without forensic investigation. Option D (analyze logs) is important but should follow containment.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Immediately isolate the VM by removing it from the network
Why this is correct
Containment is the first priority to stop active threat.
- ✗
Run an antivirus scan on the VM to remove the malware
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus may not detect advanced threats and does not stop active communication.
- ✗
Terminate the VM and create a new one from a clean image
Why it's wrong here
Destructive without preserving evidence; isolation is preferred first.
- ✗
Analyze the traffic logs to determine the scope of the compromise
Why it's wrong here
Analysis should be done but after containment to prevent further damage.
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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.