Quick Answer
The answer is DTP spoofing. This is the correct choice because VLAN hopping attacks frequently exploit the Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) to trick a switch into establishing a trunk link with an attacker’s device, granting the attacker access to traffic from multiple VLANs. By disabling trunking on all unused ports and assigning them to an unused VLAN, the switch will ignore any DTP negotiation requests, effectively blocking the attacker’s ability to spoof a trunk. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Layer 2 security controls and the specific attack vector of DTP spoofing, often appearing in questions about switch port hardening. A common trap is confusing DTP spoofing with double tagging, but remember: DTP spoofing relies on protocol negotiation, while double tagging exploits native VLAN mismatches. Memory tip: “Disable DTP, stop the spoof” — if trunking is off, the attacker’s handshake fails.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications 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 network engineer configures a VLAN hopping attack prevention by setting all unused switch ports to an unused VLAN and disabling trunking. What vulnerability is being mitigated?
STP manipulation
Why wrong: STP manipulation is mitigated by BPDU guard.
ARP spoofing
Why wrong: ARP spoofing is mitigated by dynamic ARP inspection.
MAC flooding
Why wrong: MAC flooding is mitigated by port security.
DTP spoofing
DTP spoofing can turn an access port into a trunk, enabling VLAN hopping.
DHCP starvation
Why wrong: DHCP starvation is mitigated by DHCP snooping.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DTP spoofing
DTP spoofing is the correct answer because VLAN hopping attacks often exploit Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) to negotiate a trunk link between a switch and an attacker's device, allowing the attacker to send and receive traffic on multiple VLANs. By disabling trunking on all unused ports and assigning them to an unused VLAN, the switch will not respond to DTP negotiation requests, preventing unauthorized trunk establishment.
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.
STP manipulation
Why it's wrong here
STP manipulation is mitigated by BPDU guard.
ARP spoofing
Why it's wrong here
ARP spoofing is mitigated by dynamic ARP inspection.
MAC flooding
Why it's wrong here
MAC flooding is mitigated by port security.
DTP spoofing
Why this is correct
DTP spoofing can turn an access port into a trunk, enabling VLAN hopping.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
DHCP starvation
Why it's wrong here
DHCP starvation is mitigated by DHCP snooping.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between DTP spoofing (VLAN hopping via trunk negotiation) and double-tagging attacks (another VLAN hopping method), so candidates may confuse the two or incorrectly associate VLAN hopping with MAC flooding or ARP spoofing.
Detailed technical explanation
DTP is a Cisco proprietary protocol that operates on Layer 2 and uses frames with destination MAC 01:00:0C:CC:CC:CC to negotiate trunking. An attacker can send a DTP Desirable or Dynamic Auto frame to a switch port set to Dynamic Desirable or Dynamic Auto, causing the port to become a trunk and allowing the attacker to access all VLANs. Disabling trunking with the 'switchport mode access' command and setting the port to an unused VLAN prevents this negotiation entirely.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network and Communications Security — study guide chapter
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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: DTP spoofing — DTP spoofing is the correct answer because VLAN hopping attacks often exploit Dynamic Trunking Protocol (DTP) to negotiate a trunk link between a switch and an attacker's device, allowing the attacker to send and receive traffic on multiple VLANs. By disabling trunking on all unused ports and assigning them to an unused VLAN, the switch will not respond to DTP negotiation requests, preventing unauthorized trunk establishment.
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 30, 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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