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SSCP An analyst reviews a Windows security log Practice Question

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.
Security event log excerpt:
Event ID: 4625 (Account logon failure)
Account Name: jdoe
Failure Reason: Account locked out
Logon Type: 10 (RemoteInteractive)
Source Network Address: 10.0.1.100
Workstation: WS-102
Timestamp: 2023-06-15 14:23:45

An analyst reviews a Windows security log. Given the event, what is the MOST likely cause of the lockout?

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

A remote attacker is attempting to brute-force the user's password via RDP

A Remote Desktop (RDP) session using Logon Type 10 with multiple failed attempts from the same source is indicative of a brute-force attack, which commonly causes account lockouts. Option A is incorrect because using an old password after a password change would typically result in a single failure, not a lockout. Option B is incorrect because expired cached credentials would not trigger a lockout; they would simply prevent authentication. Option D is incorrect because a single wrong password entry at the physical console would not cause a lockout unless the account lockout threshold is set to 1, which is uncommon; moreover, the logon type for physical console is Logon Type 2, not the RemoteInteractive type mentioned in the scenario.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • The user's password was changed and they are using the old password

    Why it's wrong here

    This would show incorrect password, but lockout implies multiple attempts; the logon type still indicates remote.

  • The user's cached credentials are expired

    Why it's wrong here

    Cached credential expiration does not generate a lockout event.

  • A remote attacker is attempting to brute-force the user's password via RDP

    Why this is correct

    Logon Type 10 (RemoteInteractive) is RDP, and a lockout indicates multiple failed attempts.

  • The user entered the wrong password at the physical console

    Why it's wrong here

    Physical logon shows Logon Type 2, not 10.

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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.