- A
Biometric readers on workstations
Why wrong: Biometric readers control access to the workstation but do not prevent connecting external devices.
- B
Mantrap at building entrance
Why wrong: Mantraps control entry to the building but do not address workstation-level device connections.
- C
Clean desk policy
A clean desk policy encourages employees to secure their workstations, reducing the risk of unauthorized device connections.
- D
CCTV monitoring
Why wrong: CCTV can record incidents but does not prevent unauthorized device connections.
Question 860 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
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 analyst notices an alert indicating that a user's workstation has been connected to an unauthorized external device. Which physical security control would best help prevent such incidents?
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
✓
Clean desk policy
A clean desk policy is a physical security control that requires employees to clear their workstations of sensitive documents, removable media, and devices at the end of each work session. By mandating that external devices like USB drives or peripherals be stored securely, it directly reduces the risk of unauthorized devices being connected to workstations. This policy complements technical controls like device control policies (e.g., Windows Group Policy for USB restrictions) by addressing the human factor.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Biometric readers on workstations
Why it's wrong here
Biometric readers control access to the workstation but do not prevent connecting external devices.
- ✗
Mantrap at building entrance
Why it's wrong here
Mantraps control entry to the building but do not address workstation-level device connections.
- ✓
Clean desk policy
Why this is correct
A clean desk policy encourages employees to secure their workstations, reducing the risk of unauthorized device connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
CCTV monitoring
Why it's wrong here
CCTV can record incidents but does not prevent unauthorized device connections.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse detective controls (CCTV) or access controls (biometrics, mantrap) with preventive controls, overlooking that a clean desk policy directly addresses the physical proximity and opportunity to connect unauthorized devices.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A clean desk policy often includes specific requirements for locking workstations (e.g., Win+L on Windows) and storing removable media in locked drawers. In real-world scenarios, such policies are enforced through periodic audits and can be integrated with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems that detect when a device is left unattended. The policy also supports compliance with standards like ISO 27001, which mandates clear desk and clear screen procedures.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Security Operations and Administration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Clean desk policy — A clean desk policy is a physical security control that requires employees to clear their workstations of sensitive documents, removable media, and devices at the end of each work session. By mandating that external devices like USB drives or peripherals be stored securely, it directly reduces the risk of unauthorized devices being connected to workstations. This policy complements technical controls like device control policies (e.g., Windows Group Policy for USB restrictions) by addressing the human factor.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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