- A
Full disk encryption
Encryption renders data inaccessible without the key, protecting against physical theft.
- B
Strong password policy
Why wrong: A strong password protects the login but data can still be accessed by removing the hard drive.
- C
Asset tracking software
Why wrong: Tracking helps locate the device but does not protect data.
- D
Remote wiping capability
Why wrong: Remote wiping is useful but requires the device to be connected to the internet; encryption protects even offline.
Question 137 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 sensitive data on laptops is protected in case of loss or theft. Which control is MOST effective?
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
✓
Full disk encryption
Full disk encryption (FDE) is the most effective control because it renders data unreadable at rest on the entire drive, including the operating system, swap files, and temporary files. Without the decryption key (e.g., a pre-boot PIN or TPM-bound key), an attacker cannot access any data even if the laptop is physically removed. This directly addresses the threat of data exposure from loss or theft, unlike controls that only limit access or track the device.
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.
- ✓
Full disk encryption
Why this is correct
Encryption renders data inaccessible without the key, protecting against physical theft.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Strong password policy
Why it's wrong here
A strong password protects the login but data can still be accessed by removing the hard drive.
- ✗
Asset tracking software
Why it's wrong here
Tracking helps locate the device but does not protect data.
- ✗
Remote wiping capability
Why it's wrong here
Remote wiping is useful but requires the device to be connected to the internet; encryption protects even offline.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose remote wiping (D) because it seems proactive, but they overlook the critical requirement that the device must be online and powered on to execute the wipe, whereas full disk encryption protects data even if the device is never turned on again.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Full disk encryption typically uses AES-256 in XTS mode (e.g., BitLocker with TPM + PIN, or LUKS with dm-crypt) to encrypt every sector of the drive. The decryption key is stored in a TPM or derived from a pre-boot authentication factor, ensuring that even if the drive is removed and attached to another system, the ciphertext cannot be decrypted without the key. A subtle behavior: FDE does not protect data while the system is running and the user is logged in, but it is the gold standard for data-at-rest protection in theft scenarios.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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: Full disk encryption — Full disk encryption (FDE) is the most effective control because it renders data unreadable at rest on the entire drive, including the operating system, swap files, and temporary files. Without the decryption key (e.g., a pre-boot PIN or TPM-bound key), an attacker cannot access any data even if the laptop is physically removed. This directly addresses the threat of data exposure from loss or theft, unlike controls that only limit access or track the device.
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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