Quick Answer
The correct answers are VLANs and firewalls, as both are fundamental network segmentation technologies used to contain malware spread. VLANs logically separate a physical network into distinct broadcast domains, preventing traffic from crossing between segments without a router or Layer 3 device, which directly limits lateral movement. Firewalls enforce segmentation by applying security policies at segment boundaries, inspecting packets based on IP addresses, ports, and application data to block unauthorized cross-segment traffic. On the SSCP exam, this question tests your understanding of how segmentation controls map to the domain of Network and Communications Security, often appearing as a scenario where you must distinguish between logical separation (VLANs) and policy-based control (firewalls). A common trap is selecting a switch or router alone—these devices forward traffic by default and do not inherently segment without VLANs or ACLs. Remember the memory tip: “VLANs divide, firewalls decide,” meaning VLANs create the segments, while firewalls decide what passes between them.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 network administrator is implementing segmentation to limit the spread of malware. Which two technologies can achieve network segmentation? (Choose two.)
Firewalls
Firewalls can segment by controlling traffic between network zones.
VPN
Why wrong: VPNs create encrypted tunnels, not segmentation.
NAT
Why wrong: NAT hides internal addresses but does not segment.
Subnetting
Why wrong: Subnetting is logical addressing; security requires additional controls.
VLANs
VLANs segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Firewalls
Firewalls are correct because they can enforce network segmentation by controlling traffic between network segments based on security policies. By placing firewalls at segment boundaries, administrators can filter traffic using rules that inspect source/destination IP addresses, ports, and application-layer data, thereby limiting the lateral spread of malware.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Firewalls
Why this is correct
Firewalls can segment by controlling traffic between network zones.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
VPN
Why it's wrong here
VPNs create encrypted tunnels, not segmentation.
NAT
Why it's wrong here
NAT hides internal addresses but does not segment.
Subnetting
Why it's wrong here
Subnetting is logical addressing; security requires additional controls.
VLANs
Why this is correct
VLANs segment a network into separate broadcast domains.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse subnetting with segmentation, not realizing that subnetting alone provides no traffic filtering or isolation without a firewall or router ACL, and that VPNs are for secure tunneling, not internal network partitioning.
Detailed technical explanation
Network segmentation relies on both Layer 2 (VLANs) and Layer 3/4 (firewalls) controls. VLANs use IEEE 802.1Q tagging to isolate broadcast domains on the same physical switch, preventing direct Layer 2 communication between segments. Firewalls then enforce access control lists (ACLs) or stateful inspection at segment boundaries, ensuring that only permitted traffic (e.g., specific ports or protocols) can cross, which is critical for containing worm-like malware that exploits broadcast or multicast propagation.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Firewalls — Firewalls are correct because they can enforce network segmentation by controlling traffic between network segments based on security policies. By placing firewalls at segment boundaries, administrators can filter traffic using rules that inspect source/destination IP addresses, ports, and application-layer data, thereby limiting the lateral spread of malware.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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