SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A web application is vulnerable to SQL injection. Which security control would be MOST effective at detecting and blocking such attacks at the network perimeter?
⚠ Common exam trap
SSCP often tests the distinction between detection and prevention — candidates may pick IDS because it 'detects' SQL injection, but the question asks for a control that both detects and blocks at the perimeter, which only a WAF does.
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
✓
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
A Web Application Firewall (WAF) inspects HTTP/HTTPS traffic at the application layer and can detect and block SQL injection patterns using signature-based and anomaly-based rules (e.g., OWASP Core Rule Set). It sits at the network perimeter in front of the web application, making it the most effective control for this requirement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
Why it's wrong here
An IDS detects and alerts on suspicious traffic but does not block it; the question requires detection and blocking at the perimeter. A web application firewall inspects HTTP requests and actively drops SQL injection attempts. An IDS would be correct where passive monitoring and alerting suffice.
- ✓
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Why this is correct
A Web Application Firewall inspects HTTP traffic at the network perimeter, matching request patterns against signatures for SQL injection and blocking malicious payloads before they reach the application, satisfying the requirement to detect and block attacks at the perimeter.
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Application whitelisting
Why it's wrong here
Application whitelisting permits only approved executables to run on an endpoint, governing what code executes rather than inspecting inbound HTTP requests. A web application firewall examines request payloads at the perimeter and blocks SQL injection strings. Whitelisting suits preventing unauthorised software installation on servers.
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Host-based firewall
Why it's wrong here
A host-based firewall filters traffic on the individual server, inspecting ports and addresses rather than HTTP payloads, so it cannot recognise SQL injection syntax. A web application firewall parses requests at the perimeter and blocks malicious SQL patterns. Host-based firewalls suit controlling per-host inbound connections.
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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.