Quick Answer
The answer is to deploy a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system. This is correct because a SIEM automates the collection, correlation, and analysis of logs from firewalls and other network devices, generating real-time alerts for suspicious activity and thereby eliminating the need for continuous manual log review. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam, this question tests your understanding of operational controls and automated monitoring under Domain 2 (Security Operations). A common trap is confusing log retention or archiving with active review—simply keeping logs longer does not ensure they are examined. Remember the memory tip: “SIEM screams, so you don’t have to skim.”
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
An IT auditor reports that firewall logs are not being reviewed regularly. Which control should be implemented to address this finding?
Archive logs to a read-only medium
Why wrong: Archiving preserves logs but does not facilitate review.
Disable logging for low-priority events
Why wrong: Reducing log volume may cause security events to be missed.
Increase the log retention period to 12 months
Why wrong: Retention does not guarantee review.
Deploy a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system
SIEM automates log monitoring and alerting.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Deploy a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system
Option B is correct because automated log analysis tools can alert on suspicious activity, reducing reliance on manual review. Option A is wrong because simply increasing log retention does not ensure review. Option C is wrong while archiving logs is good practice, it does not enforce review. Option D is wrong because disabling log generation is counterproductive.
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.
Archive logs to a read-only medium
Why it's wrong here
Archiving preserves logs but does not facilitate review.
Disable logging for low-priority events
Why it's wrong here
Reducing log volume may cause security events to be missed.
Increase the log retention period to 12 months
Why it's wrong here
Retention does not guarantee review.
Deploy a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system
Why this is correct
SIEM automates log monitoring and alerting.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Operations and Administration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Deploy a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system — Option B is correct because automated log analysis tools can alert on suspicious activity, reducing reliance on manual review. Option A is wrong because simply increasing log retention does not ensure review. Option C is wrong while archiving logs is good practice, it does not enforce review. Option D is wrong because disabling log generation is counterproductive.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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