- A
Windows Defender Firewall
Why wrong: Firewall controls network traffic, not software installation.
- B
User Account Control (UAC)
Why wrong: UAC prompts for elevation but does not block installation by policy.
- C
AppLocker
AppLocker allows administrators to specify which applications are allowed to run.
- D
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why wrong: BitLocker encrypts drives, does not control software installation.
Question 914 of 1,000
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Windows system administrator needs to enforce a security policy that prevents users from installing unauthorized software. Which feature should be configured via Group Policy?
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
✓
AppLocker
AppLocker can be configured via Group Policy to allow or deny applications based on rules, preventing unauthorized software installation.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Windows Defender Firewall
Why it's wrong here
Firewall controls network traffic, not software installation.
- ✗
User Account Control (UAC)
Why it's wrong here
UAC prompts for elevation but does not block installation by policy.
- ✓
AppLocker
Why this is correct
AppLocker allows administrators to specify which applications are allowed to run.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- ✗
BitLocker Drive Encryption
Why it's wrong here
BitLocker encrypts drives, does not control software installation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: AppLocker — AppLocker can be configured via Group Policy to allow or deny applications based on rules, preventing unauthorized software installation.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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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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