Quick Answer
The answer is to implement application whitelisting as the first control for ransomware prevention. This technical control blocks unauthorized executables from running, directly preventing ransomware from executing even if it reaches the endpoint, because only pre-approved software is allowed to run. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of defense-in-depth and the priority of preventive controls over detective or corrective measures—a common trap is choosing backups or user training, which aid recovery or awareness but do not stop the initial infection. Remember the memory tip: “Whitelist first, because you can’t recover what you never let run.”
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. 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 wants to protect endpoints from ransomware that encrypts files and demands payment. Which control should be implemented FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Deploy email spam filtering
Why wrong: Reduces delivery but not all ransomware gets through email.
Implement application whitelisting
Blocks unauthorized executables from running.
Conduct user security awareness training
Why wrong: Important but not a direct technical prevention control.
Enable file-level backup to a separate location
Why wrong: Helps recovery but does not prevent infection.
Answer choices
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
Option B is correct because 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.
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.
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.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Implement application whitelisting — Option B is correct because 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.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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