Quick Answer
The answer is implementing an account lockout policy. This control automatically mitigates repeated failed logins by disabling the account after a predefined number of incorrect attempts within a short time window, directly countering brute-force attacks from a single IP address. The policy works by incrementing a failed-attempt counter; once the threshold is reached—typically 3 to 5 failures—the account is locked for a set duration or until an administrator intervenes, stopping further authentication attempts without manual action. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your understanding of preventive access controls versus detective or corrective measures, and a common trap is confusing account lockout with password complexity or session timeout policies. Remember the memory tip: “Lock it after three, brute force can’t be free”—the lockout threshold is the key to stopping automated guessing.
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring and analysis. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 security analyst notices repeated failed login attempts from a single IP address within a short time window. Which control should be implemented to automatically mitigate this behavior?
Set session timeout to 15 minutes
Why wrong: Session timeout ends idle sessions, not brute force attempts.
Implement account lockout policy
Account lockout disables the account after a set number of failed attempts.
Enforce complex password policy
Why wrong: Complex passwords slow brute force but do not stop repeated attempts.
Require multi-factor authentication
Why wrong: MFA adds an extra factor but does not prevent the brute force itself.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Implement account lockout policy
An account lockout policy automatically disables an account after a specified number of failed login attempts within a defined time window, directly mitigating brute-force attacks from a single IP. This control is specifically designed to prevent repeated authentication failures by temporarily or permanently locking the account, stopping further attempts without manual intervention.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Set session timeout to 15 minutes
Why it's wrong here
Session timeout ends idle sessions, not brute force attempts.
Implement account lockout policy
Why this is correct
Account lockout disables the account after a set number of failed attempts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Enforce complex password policy
Why it's wrong here
Complex passwords slow brute force but do not stop repeated attempts.
Require multi-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
MFA adds an extra factor but does not prevent the brute force itself.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between preventive controls (like complex passwords or MFA) and corrective/detective controls (like account lockout), leading candidates to choose MFA because it seems stronger, but the question specifically asks for automatic mitigation of repeated failed attempts, which only lockout directly addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
Account lockout policies are typically configured in Active Directory or local security policies using Group Policy, with settings like 'Account lockout threshold' (e.g., 5 attempts), 'Account lockout duration' (e.g., 30 minutes), and 'Reset account lockout counter after' (e.g., 30 minutes). Under the hood, the domain controller tracks bad password counts per Security Identifier (SID) and increments a badPwdCount attribute; once the threshold is reached, the account's lockoutTime attribute is set, preventing further logins until the duration expires or an administrator unlocks it. In a real-world scenario, a misconfigured lockout policy (e.g., too low a threshold) can lead to denial-of-service if attackers intentionally trigger lockouts on legitimate accounts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Implement account lockout policy — An account lockout policy automatically disables an account after a specified number of failed login attempts within a defined time window, directly mitigating brute-force attacks from a single IP. This control is specifically designed to prevent repeated authentication failures by temporarily or permanently locking the account, stopping further attempts without manual intervention.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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