- A
ARP spoofing; mitigation: static ARP entries.
Why wrong: ARP spoofing targets the ARP table, not TCP connections.
- B
Smurf attack; mitigation: disable IP broadcasts.
Why wrong: Smurf uses ICMP broadcast amplification, not TCP half-open connections.
- C
SYN flood; mitigation: enable SYN cookies.
SYN cookies allow the server to maintain state without allocating resources until the handshake completes.
- D
Ping of death; mitigation: block fragmented ICMP packets.
Why wrong: Ping of death uses oversized ICMP packets, not TCP.
Question 254 of 1,000
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 system administrator notices a high number of half-open TCP connections to the company's web server. The server is becoming unresponsive. Which attack is likely occurring, and which mitigation is effective?
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
✓
SYN flood; mitigation: enable SYN cookies.
A SYN flood exploits the TCP three-way handshake by sending many SYN packets without completing the handshake. SYN cookies allow the server to avoid allocating resources until the handshake completes.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ARP spoofing; mitigation: static ARP entries.
- ✗
Smurf attack; mitigation: disable IP broadcasts.
- ✓
SYN flood; mitigation: enable SYN cookies.
Why this is correct
SYN cookies allow the server to maintain state without allocating resources until the handshake completes.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Ping of death; mitigation: block fragmented ICMP packets.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SSCP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SYN flood; mitigation: enable SYN cookies. — A SYN flood exploits the TCP three-way handshake by sending many SYN packets without completing the handshake. SYN cookies allow the server to avoid allocating resources until the handshake completes.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SSCP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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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