SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
A vulnerability scan identifies a critical vulnerability on a web server with a CVSS score of 9.8. The server hosts a public-facing application. However, the patch would require a reboot that would cause downtime during business hours. What should the security administrator do FIRST?
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
✓
Assess the risk and implement compensating controls if possible
The first step is to assess the risk and prioritise based on exploitability and asset criticality. A CVSS 9.8 vulnerability is critical, so immediate action is needed, but the administrator should evaluate compensating controls before applying the patch.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Assess the risk and implement compensating controls if possible
Why this is correct
Perform risk assessment to determine if the vulnerability can be mitigated via other controls (e.g., WAF) or if downtime is necessary.
- ✗
Schedule the patch for the next maintenance window without further analysis
Why it's wrong here
Scheduling without analysis may leave the system exposed for too long.
- ✗
Apply the patch immediately during business hours
Why it's wrong here
Applying immediately may cause unnecessary downtime without assessing impact.
- ✗
Document the exception and ignore the vulnerability
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring a critical vulnerability without justification is not acceptable.
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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.