This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security administrator is tasked with ensuring that only authorized software can run on company workstations. Which security control should be implemented?
Antivirus software
Why wrong: Antivirus detects known malware but does not prevent execution of unauthorized software.
Patch management
Why wrong: Patch management keeps software updated but does not control which software runs.
Host-based firewall
Why wrong: Firewall controls network traffic, not software execution.
Application whitelisting
Whitelisting ensures only approved software can run, directly meeting the requirement.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Application whitelisting
Application whitelisting is the correct control because it explicitly defines a list of approved software that is allowed to execute on workstations. This prevents unauthorized or malicious software from running, even if it bypasses other defenses, by enforcing a default-deny policy at the operating system level (e.g., via Windows AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies). Unlike antivirus, which relies on signatures to detect known threats, whitelisting blocks unknown or unapproved executables by default.
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.
Antivirus software
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus detects known malware but does not prevent execution of unauthorized software.
Patch management
Why it's wrong here
Patch management keeps software updated but does not control which software runs.
Host-based firewall
Why it's wrong here
Firewall controls network traffic, not software execution.
Application whitelisting
Why this is correct
Whitelisting ensures only approved software can run, directly meeting the requirement.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'preventing unauthorized software' with 'detecting malware,' leading them to choose antivirus software, but the question specifically asks for a control that ensures only authorized software can run, which requires a default-deny approach like application whitelisting rather than a detection-based tool.
Detailed technical explanation
Application whitelisting operates by creating a hash-based or path-based policy that the OS kernel enforces at process creation time; for example, Windows AppLocker uses publisher rules based on digital signatures or file hashes to allow or deny execution. In a real-world scenario, an attacker who gains access to a workstation cannot run a portable executable (PE) payload unless it matches an approved hash, effectively neutralizing many fileless and zero-day attacks. This control is often paired with a change management process to update the whitelist when new legitimate software is deployed.
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
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FAQ
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Application whitelisting — Application whitelisting is the correct control because it explicitly defines a list of approved software that is allowed to execute on workstations. This prevents unauthorized or malicious software from running, even if it bypasses other defenses, by enforcing a default-deny policy at the operating system level (e.g., via Windows AppLocker or Software Restriction Policies). Unlike antivirus, which relies on signatures to detect known threats, whitelisting blocks unknown or unapproved executables by default.
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 11, 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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