- A
Disable SELinux for better performance
Why wrong: Disabling SELinux reduces security controls; it should be enabled.
- B
Install all available packages to ensure compatibility
Why wrong: Installing unnecessary packages increases the attack surface.
- C
Remove unnecessary services and software packages
This reduces the number of potential vulnerabilities.
- D
Set file permissions using chmod and chown to restrict access
Proper permissions prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files.
- E
Enable the root account for direct login
Why wrong: Direct root login is discouraged; sudo should be used instead.
Question 366 of 1,000
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. 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.
An organization is hardening a Linux server. Which TWO of the following are effective steps to reduce the attack surface?
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
✓
Remove unnecessary services and software packages
Removing unnecessary services and software reduces potential vulnerabilities. Proper file permissions using chmod and chown enforce least privilege.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Disable SELinux for better performance
Why it's wrong here
Disabling SELinux reduces security controls; it should be enabled.
- ✗
Install all available packages to ensure compatibility
Why it's wrong here
Installing unnecessary packages increases the attack surface.
- ✓
Remove unnecessary services and software packages
Why this is correct
This reduces the number of potential vulnerabilities.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Set file permissions using chmod and chown to restrict access
Why this is correct
Proper permissions prevent unauthorized access to sensitive files.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Enable the root account for direct login
Why it's wrong here
Direct root login is discouraged; sudo should be used instead.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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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 — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Remove unnecessary services and software packages — Removing unnecessary services and software reduces potential vulnerabilities. Proper file permissions using chmod and chown enforce least privilege.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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