SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis Practice Question
A security team is conducting a risk assessment for a new cloud-based collaboration platform. They need to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. Which TWO of the following are examples of technical vulnerabilities that should be considered? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse administrative or physical weaknesses with technical vulnerabilities, especially because all can contribute to risk.
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
✓
Weak encryption algorithms used for data in transit.
Technical vulnerabilities are weaknesses in hardware, software, or configurations that can be exploited. Unpatched software and weak encryption algorithms are both technical flaws that directly affect the security of the cloud platform. The other options—lack of training, insufficient physical security, and missing policy—are administrative, physical, or governance issues, not technical vulnerabilities. A comprehensive risk assessment should consider all types, but the question specifically targets technical ones.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Lack of security awareness training for employees.
Why it's wrong here
Lack of training is a human or administrative vulnerability, not a technical one. While it can lead to security incidents, it does not stem from the technology itself. The question asks for technical vulnerabilities, so this is not the best choice. Training is important but falls under personnel security controls.
- ✓
Weak encryption algorithms used for data in transit.
Why this is correct
Weak encryption is a technical vulnerability because it is a flaw in the cryptographic implementation that could allow unauthorized access to data. It is a configuration or design weakness in the technology. Risk assessments must evaluate encryption strength to protect data confidentiality and integrity. This is a technical issue.
- ✗
Insufficient physical security at the data center.
Why it's wrong here
Physical security is an environmental or physical vulnerability, not a technical one. It involves controls like locks, cameras, and guards. While important, it does not fall under technical vulnerabilities, which relate to software, hardware, or network configurations. The question specifically asks for technical vulnerabilities.
- ✓
Unpatched software on the platform's servers.
Why this is correct
Unpatched software is a technical vulnerability because it represents a weakness in the system that can be exploited by attackers. It directly relates to the platform's configuration and maintenance. Risk assessments should include checking for missing patches, as they are a common entry point for attacks. This is a clear example of a technical vulnerability.
- ✗
Lack of a formal risk management policy.
Why it's wrong here
The absence of a risk management policy is an administrative or governance weakness, not a technical vulnerability. It affects how risks are managed but does not directly expose the system to exploitation. Technical vulnerabilities are flaws in the technology itself, such as software bugs or misconfigurations.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
Go deeper
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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.