- A
Requiring post-deployment security reviews for each server
Why wrong: Reviews are detective, not preventive; they occur after deployment.
- B
Using a configuration management tool to deploy a hardened image automatically
Automated deployment ensures every server starts from a known hardened baseline.
- C
Requiring administrators to manually apply CIS benchmarks after installation
Why wrong: Manual application is prone to errors and inconsistencies; automated deployment is more reliable.
- D
Performing periodic vulnerability scans on all servers
Why wrong: Vulnerability scans detect issues but do not enforce baseline during deployment.
Question 427 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 wants to ensure that all new servers are deployed with a hardened baseline configuration. Which of the following is the most effective control to enforce this?
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
✓
Using a configuration management tool to deploy a hardened image automatically
Option B is correct because using a configuration management tool (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef) to deploy a hardened image automatically ensures that every new server is built from a pre-defined, secure baseline without relying on manual steps. This enforces consistency and prevents configuration drift from the moment of deployment, which is the most effective control for ensuring compliance with hardening standards.
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.
- ✗
Requiring post-deployment security reviews for each server
Why it's wrong here
Reviews are detective, not preventive; they occur after deployment.
- ✓
Using a configuration management tool to deploy a hardened image automatically
Why this is correct
Automated deployment ensures every server starts from a known hardened baseline.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Requiring administrators to manually apply CIS benchmarks after installation
Why it's wrong here
Manual application is prone to errors and inconsistencies; automated deployment is more reliable.
- ✗
Performing periodic vulnerability scans on all servers
Why it's wrong here
Vulnerability scans detect issues but do not enforce baseline during deployment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose post-deployment reviews or vulnerability scans because they seem like thorough security measures, but the question specifically asks for the most effective control to *enforce* a hardened baseline, which requires a preventive, automated approach rather than a reactive or manual one.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Configuration management tools use infrastructure-as-code (IaC) principles to define a server's desired state, including OS-level hardening settings (e.g., disabling unused services, setting file permissions, applying security templates). Tools like Ansible use playbooks or roles that can apply CIS benchmarks automatically via modules such as `win_security_policy` or `cis_hardening` roles, ensuring every server matches the baseline exactly. In a real-world scenario, this prevents issues like a misconfigured firewall rule or an open SMB port that could be exploited within minutes of deployment.
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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Security Operations and Administration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Using a configuration management tool to deploy a hardened image automatically — Option B is correct because using a configuration management tool (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef) to deploy a hardened image automatically ensures that every new server is built from a pre-defined, secure baseline without relying on manual steps. This enforces consistency and prevents configuration drift from the moment of deployment, which is the most effective control for ensuring compliance with hardening standards.
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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