hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Is implementing a jump server architecture for…
An organization is implementing a jump server architecture for managing critical servers. Which additional control BEST reduces the risk of lateral movement if the jump server is compromised?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently choose multi-factor authentication (Option B) thinking it prevents all post-compromise risks, but MFA only protects the initial login, not lateral movement after the jump server is already compromised.
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
✓
Implement SSH key-based authentication with agent forwarding restricted to specific target hosts.
Restricting SSH agent forwarding to specific target hosts prevents an attacker who compromises the jump server from using forwarded credentials to authenticate to arbitrary internal systems. This containment limits lateral movement by ensuring that even if the jump server is breached, the attacker cannot reuse SSH keys to pivot to non-approved targets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Enable verbose logging on all target servers.
Why it's wrong here
Logging is detective, not preventive.
- ✗
Require multi-factor authentication for all jump server logins.
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent lateral movement from a compromised jump server.
- ✓
Implement SSH key-based authentication with agent forwarding restricted to specific target hosts.
Why this is correct
Restricts which hosts can be accessed from the jump server, reducing lateral movement.
- ✗
Use a separate VLAN for management traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation helps but does not restrict lateral movement at the host level.
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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.