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SSCP Practice Question: Wants to protect endpoints from ransomware that…
An organization wants to protect endpoints from ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment. Which control should be implemented FIRST?
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
✓
Implement application whitelisting
Application whitelisting blocks unauthorized executables, including ransomware, from running. Option A is wrong because email filtering can reduce but not block all ransomware delivery. Option C is wrong because user training is important but not a technical control that immediately prevents execution. Option D is wrong because backups help recovery but do not prevent infection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Deploy email spam filtering
Why it's wrong here
Reduces delivery but not all ransomware gets through email.
- ✓
Implement application whitelisting
Why this is correct
Blocks unauthorized executables from running.
- ✗
Conduct user security awareness training
Why it's wrong here
Important but not a direct technical prevention control.
- ✗
Enable file-level backup to a separate location
Why it's wrong here
Helps recovery but does not prevent infection.
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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.