- A
It prevents execution of any application not explicitly allowed
Whitelisting blocks unapproved applications, which is the core security benefit of WDAC.
- B
It encrypts application binaries at rest
Why wrong: Encryption is not a function of WDAC; BitLocker handles encryption.
- C
It automatically updates applications from a trusted source
Why wrong: WDAC does not manage updates; it controls execution based on policies.
- D
It ensures that all applications are digitally signed
Why wrong: WDAC can be configured to enforce signing, but its primary benefit is whitelisting, not signing itself.
Question 921 of 1,000
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 implementing Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) to prevent unauthorized applications from running on company workstations. Which of the following best describes the primary security benefit of this approach?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
✓
It prevents execution of any application not explicitly allowed
WDAC is a whitelisting technology that only allows approved applications to execute, effectively blocking malware and unauthorized software by default.
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.
- ✓
It prevents execution of any application not explicitly allowed
Why this is correct
Whitelisting blocks unapproved applications, which is the core security benefit of WDAC.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It encrypts application binaries at rest
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is not a function of WDAC; BitLocker handles encryption.
- ✗
It automatically updates applications from a trusted source
Why it's wrong here
WDAC does not manage updates; it controls execution based on policies.
- ✗
It ensures that all applications are digitally signed
Why it's wrong here
WDAC can be configured to enforce signing, but its primary benefit is whitelisting, not signing itself.
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.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It prevents execution of any application not explicitly allowed — WDAC is a whitelisting technology that only allows approved applications to execute, effectively blocking malware and unauthorized software by default.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "primary". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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