SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A Linux system administrator needs to restrict network traffic to a server, allowing only HTTP and HTTPS from the internet. Which tool should be used to configure packet filtering rules?
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
✓
iptables
iptables or nftables are Linux firewall tools for packet filtering. PAM handles authentication. SELinux enforces MAC. auditd logs events. They do not filter network traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
PAM
Why it's wrong here
PAM manages authentication, not network filtering.
- ✗
SELinux
Why it's wrong here
SELinux provides mandatory access control, not packet filtering.
- ✗
auditd
Why it's wrong here
auditd logs events, does not filter traffic.
- ✓
iptables
Why this is correct
iptables is a packet filter firewall utility.
Visual reference
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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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.