hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A financial firm is implementing a new access…
A financial firm is implementing a new access control system for its critical trading application. The application currently uses local accounts and password authentication. The security team wants to enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and centralized user management. The firm has an existing Active Directory (AD) infrastructure and a certificate authority (CA). However, the trading application only supports smart card authentication via PKI and does not support integration with AD directly. The IT team must design a solution that meets security requirements while minimizing changes to the application. Which approach should the team 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
✓
Deploy a RADIUS server that forwards authentication to AD and use smart card emulation for the application
The correct approach is to deploy a RADIUS server that authenticates against Active Directory and uses smart card emulation for the trading application. This solution centralizes user management via AD, enforces MFA through PKI-based smart cards, and requires no changes to the application code. Option A (SAML federation) would necessitate significant application modifications and is not inherently MFA-capable without additional setup. Option B (local accounts with strong passwords) ignores MFA and centralized management. Option D (separate LDAP synced with AD) adds complexity and does not support smart card authentication for the application.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Modify the application code to support SAML-based federation
Why it's wrong here
Modifying the application is complex and may introduce bugs; not minimal change.
- ✗
Continue using local accounts but require a strong password policy and regular changes
Why it's wrong here
This does not provide MFA or centralized management.
- ✓
Deploy a RADIUS server that forwards authentication to AD and use smart card emulation for the application
Why this is correct
RADIUS can translate AD credentials to smart card authentication the app expects, without modifying the app.
- ✗
Set up a separate LDAP directory for the application and sync with AD
Why it's wrong here
Still relies on passwords only; no MFA.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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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.