SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A security analyst is hardening a new Windows server. Which configuration would MOST effectively reduce the attack surface by limiting the software that can execute?
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
✓
Configure AppLocker rules
AppLocker is a whitelisting technology that restricts which applications can run, reducing the attack surface.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable Windows Defender Antivirus
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus detects malware but does not prevent execution of unapproved software.
- ✗
Disable AutoPlay
Why it's wrong here
Disabling AutoPlay prevents automatic execution from removable media, but does not limit software execution generally.
- ✗
Enable User Account Control (UAC)
Why it's wrong here
UAC prompts for elevation but does not prevent execution of applications.
- ✓
Configure AppLocker rules
Why this is correct
AppLocker provides application whitelisting to control execution.
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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.