- A
Using a network tap or SPAN port to monitor traffic without introducing latency
Passive monitoring avoids impact on network performance.
- B
Placing the NIDS inline to block malicious traffic immediately
Why wrong: That describes an IPS, not an IDS.
- C
Configuring the NIDS to drop packets that match attack signatures
Why wrong: Dropping packets is an IPS function; IDS only alerts.
- D
Placing the NIDS on the internal network behind the firewall to detect insider threats
Monitoring internal traffic helps detect attacks from compromised hosts.
- E
Tuning signatures to reduce false positives relevant to the environment
Proper tuning improves detection accuracy and reduces alert fatigue.
Question 316 of 1,000
SSCP Network and Communications Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications 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.
An organization is deploying a network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS). The security team must decide on placement and configuration. Which THREE considerations are critical for effective NIDS deployment?
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
✓
Using a network tap or SPAN port to monitor traffic without introducing latency
Placing the NIDS on a network tap ensures visibility without affecting traffic; tuning signatures reduces false positives; and placing it outside the firewall captures attacks before filtering.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Using a network tap or SPAN port to monitor traffic without introducing latency
Why this is correct
Passive monitoring avoids impact on network performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Placing the NIDS inline to block malicious traffic immediately
- ✗
Configuring the NIDS to drop packets that match attack signatures
- ✓
Placing the NIDS on the internal network behind the firewall to detect insider threats
Why this is correct
Monitoring internal traffic helps detect attacks from compromised hosts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Tuning signatures to reduce false positives relevant to the environment
Why this is correct
Proper tuning improves detection accuracy and reduces alert fatigue.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Network and Communications Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Using a network tap or SPAN port to monitor traffic without introducing latency — Placing the NIDS on a network tap ensures visibility without affecting traffic; tuning signatures reduces false positives; and placing it outside the firewall captures attacks before filtering.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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