The answer is that the most critical observation is a root user opening RDP to the world. This is correct because the CloudTrail log reveals an AWS root account authorizing an ingress rule for TCP port 3389 (RDP) with a source of 0.0.0.0/0, which exposes the administrative interface to every IP address on the internet. Such a configuration violates the principle of least privilege and creates an extreme security risk, as any attacker can attempt brute-force logins or exploit known RDP vulnerabilities to gain full control of the instance. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret CloudTrail events and identify misconfigurations that lead to unauthorized access—a common trap is focusing on the RDP port itself rather than the root user’s role in the change. A useful memory tip is “Root + RDP to 0.0.0.0/0 = Red Flag for Compromise,” reminding you that administrative credentials combined with unrestricted internet access is a critical finding.
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring and analysis. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A root user is opening RDP to the world.
The most critical observation is that a root user is opening RDP (TCP/3389) to the world (0.0.0.0/0). This creates an extreme security risk because it exposes the administrative interface to the entire internet, allowing any attacker to attempt brute-force or exploit RDP vulnerabilities. In AWS CloudTrail, this event indicates a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and is a common vector for compromise.
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.
✓
A root user is opening RDP to the world.
Why this is correct
Root access combined with an open RDP rule to 0.0.0.0/0 poses a severe security risk.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A user is modifying a security group.
Why it's wrong here
While true, this is less critical than the specific change being made.
✗
The event is from EC2 service.
Why it's wrong here
This is just the service name; it does not indicate a security issue.
✗
The source IP is internal.
Why it's wrong here
The source IP being internal (10.0.0.5) suggests the change was made from within the network, which is not inherently problematic.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus on the user or service name (e.g., 'root user' or 'EC2') rather than the actual security impact of opening RDP to the world, which is the most critical observation in this scenario.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) on port 3389 is a frequent target for ransomware and credential-stuffing attacks. When a root/administrator account authorizes a security group ingress rule with 0.0.0.0/0, it bypasses all network-level access controls. In AWS, this is often detected via CloudTrail events like AuthorizeSecurityGroupIngress, and security best practices mandate using bastion hosts or VPNs instead of direct internet exposure.
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.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A root user is opening RDP to the world. — The most critical observation is that a root user is opening RDP (TCP/3389) to the world (0.0.0.0/0). This creates an extreme security risk because it exposes the administrative interface to the entire internet, allowing any attacker to attempt brute-force or exploit RDP vulnerabilities. In AWS CloudTrail, this event indicates a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and is a common vector for compromise.
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.
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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.
Question Discussion
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