SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis Practice Question
An organization uses a network-based intrusion detection system (NIDS). An analyst receives an alert for a known exploit signature. Which type of detection is the NIDS using?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse 'signature-based' with 'heuristic' detection, because both involve pattern matching, but heuristic detection uses fuzzy logic or statistical models rather than exact known signatures.
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
✓
Signature-based detection
The NIDS generated an alert based on a known exploit signature, which means it compared network traffic against a database of predefined patterns or fingerprints of known attacks. This is the defining characteristic of signature-based detection, where the system relies on exact or pattern matches to known malicious activity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Anomaly-based detection
Why it's wrong here
Anomaly detection uses baselines, not signatures.
- ✗
Behavior-based detection
Why it's wrong here
Behavior-based also uses baselines.
- ✓
Signature-based detection
Why this is correct
Matching a known exploit signature is signature-based.
- ✗
Heuristic detection
Why it's wrong here
Heuristic detection uses algorithms, not exact signatures.
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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.