This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 only authorized devices can connect to its internal network. Which of the following should be implemented?
Intrusion detection system
Why wrong: IDS detects threats, does not control access.
Port security on switches
Why wrong: Port security limits MAC addresses but does not authenticate devices.
Network access control (NAC)
NAC authenticates devices before network access.
Virtual private network
Why wrong: VPN secures remote connections, not internal access.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Network access control (NAC)
Network Access Control (NAC) is the correct choice because it enforces security policy by evaluating the identity, posture, and compliance of devices before granting network access. NAC solutions (e.g., Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass) can authenticate devices via 802.1X, check for antivirus updates or patch levels, and quarantine non-compliant endpoints, ensuring only authorized and healthy devices connect to the internal network.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Intrusion detection system
Why it's wrong here
IDS detects threats, does not control access.
Port security on switches
Why it's wrong here
Port security limits MAC addresses but does not authenticate devices.
Network access control (NAC)
Why this is correct
NAC authenticates devices before network access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Virtual private network
Why it's wrong here
VPN secures remote connections, not internal access.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Port Security (a Layer 2 MAC-based control) with NAC, but Port Security lacks the authentication, posture assessment, and dynamic policy enforcement that NAC provides, making it insufficient for ensuring only authorized devices connect.
Detailed technical explanation
NAC typically uses the 802.1X standard with EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol) to authenticate devices at the port level, often integrating with a RADIUS server (e.g., Cisco ACS, FreeRADIUS). In a real-world scenario, a hospital might use NAC to ensure that only patched, antivirus-enabled laptops can access patient records, while automatically placing unmanaged IoT devices (like infusion pumps) into a restricted VLAN. This dynamic VLAN assignment is a key NAC feature that goes beyond simple MAC filtering.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Network access control (NAC) — Network Access Control (NAC) is the correct choice because it enforces security policy by evaluating the identity, posture, and compliance of devices before granting network access. NAC solutions (e.g., Cisco ISE, Aruba ClearPass) can authenticate devices via 802.1X, check for antivirus updates or patch levels, and quarantine non-compliant endpoints, ensuring only authorized and healthy devices connect to the internal network.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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