- A
Anomaly-based detection
Why wrong: Anomaly detection uses baselines, not signatures.
- B
Behavior-based detection
Why wrong: Behavior-based also uses baselines.
- C
Signature-based detection
Matching a known exploit signature is signature-based.
- D
Heuristic detection
Why wrong: Heuristic detection uses algorithms, not exact signatures.
Question 482 of 1,000
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring, and analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 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?
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.
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.
- ✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Heuristic detection
Why it's wrong here
Heuristic detection uses algorithms, not exact signatures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates 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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Signature-based NIDS, such as Snort or Suricata, uses rule sets that define specific byte sequences, packet headers, or protocol anomalies (e.g., a specific TCP flag combination or a known shellcode pattern in an HTTP payload). A real-world scenario where this matters is detecting a 'Slammer' worm outbreak, where the NIDS matches the worm's unique UDP packet content; however, signature-based systems cannot detect zero-day exploits because no signature exists yet.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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