SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A security engineer is hardening a Windows server. Which TWO actions should be taken to reduce the attack surface? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
Disable unnecessary services and accounts
Removing unnecessary accounts and services, and applying patches are core hardening steps. Disabling auto-run prevents malware from executing automatically.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Increase the number of active user accounts for auditing
Why it's wrong here
More accounts increase the attack surface; least privilege should be applied.
- ✗
Enable auto-run for removable media to improve user convenience
Why it's wrong here
Auto-run can be exploited to execute malicious code; it should be disabled.
- ✓
Disable unnecessary services and accounts
Why this is correct
Reducing the number of services and accounts minimizes potential entry points.
- ✓
Apply the latest security patches
Why this is correct
Patching fixes known vulnerabilities.
- ✗
Install additional third-party software for monitoring
Why it's wrong here
Unnecessary software adds complexity and potential vulnerabilities.
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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.