hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A security analyst reviews log files and sees…
A security analyst reviews log files and sees multiple failed SSH attempts from various IP addresses. The analyst implements a rate-limiting rule on the firewall to block IPs after 5 failed attempts in 10 minutes. This is an example of which type of security control?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often mistake preventive controls for deterrent controls. Preventive controls physically block the action (e.g., firewall rate-limiting), while deterrent controls only discourage (e.g., warning banners). This question's firewall rule actively blocks further attempts, making it preventive.
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
✓
Preventive
Rate-limiting SSH attempts by blocking IPs after 5 failed attempts in 10 minutes is a preventive control because it actively stops unauthorized access before it can occur. By enforcing a threshold on the firewall, the control reduces the attack surface against brute-force attacks, directly preventing further authentication attempts from suspicious sources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Compensating
Why it's wrong here
Compensating controls are alternatives, not directly preventive.
- ✓
Preventive
Why this is correct
Rate-limiting blocks attacks before they succeed.
- ✗
Detective
Why it's wrong here
Detective controls monitor and alert.
- ✗
Deterrent
Why it's wrong here
Deterrent controls discourage but don't enforce.
- ✗
Corrective
Why it's wrong here
Corrective controls restore systems after an incident.
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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.