The answer is that the web server may be exfiltrating data to an external host. This is correct because the exhibit shows a high volume of outbound traffic from the internal web server (10.0.0.1) to an external IP (203.0.113.5) over port 443, which is HTTPS. In data exfiltration detection from a web server, the key indicator is that the server itself initiates the outbound connection—this is not a typical inbound request pattern. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between data exfiltration and other threats like DDoS or scanning, which usually involve inbound traffic or multiple sources. A common trap is assuming all HTTPS traffic is safe, but here the volume and direction point to a compromised server sending stolen data to a command-and-control server. Memory tip: think "Outbound = Outgoing data" to remember that the server is sending, not receiving, the threat.
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring and analysis. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 reviews the exhibit. The internal IP 10.0.0.1 is a web server, and 203.0.113.5 is an external IP. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The web server may be exfiltrating data to an external host
The exhibit shows a high volume of outbound traffic from internal IP 10.0.0.1 (the web server) to external IP 203.0.113.5 on port 443 (HTTPS). This pattern is consistent with data exfiltration, where a compromised web server sends sensitive data to an external command-and-control (C2) server. The traffic is initiated by the internal server, not inbound, which rules out scanning or DDoS attacks.
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.
✓
The web server may be exfiltrating data to an external host
Why this is correct
Increasing outgoing data to a single external host is suspicious of data exfiltration.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The external IP is scanning the web server for vulnerabilities
Why it's wrong here
Scanning would show many different ports, not just 443 with increasing data out.
✗
The web server is experiencing a DDoS attack from the external IP
Why it's wrong here
DDoS would typically show high volume of incoming traffic to the server.
✗
An internal user is browsing a malicious website
Why it's wrong here
User browsing shows small, varied flows from client to server; here server is source.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse the direction of traffic—assuming any external IP communicating with a web server must be an attacker scanning or attacking, rather than recognizing that the server itself may be the compromised source of outbound data.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Scanning would show many different ports, not just 443 with increasing data out.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Data exfiltration often uses encrypted channels like HTTPS (port 443) to blend with legitimate traffic, making detection difficult without deep packet inspection or behavioral analysis. Tools like Zeek or NetFlow can flag anomalous outbound connections where the server initiates sessions to an external host at unusual times or volumes. In real-world incidents, attackers may use DNS tunneling or HTTP POST requests to exfiltrate data, but a steady outbound HTTPS stream from a server is a classic indicator of C2 communication.
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 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
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.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The web server may be exfiltrating data to an external host — The exhibit shows a high volume of outbound traffic from internal IP 10.0.0.1 (the web server) to external IP 203.0.113.5 on port 443 (HTTPS). This pattern is consistent with data exfiltration, where a compromised web server sends sensitive data to an external command-and-control (C2) server. The traffic is initiated by the internal server, not inbound, which rules out scanning or DDoS attacks.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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