SSCP Practice Question: A security analyst reviews the firewall log…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
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Brute force attack against RDP service
The firewall log shows repeated failed RDP (TCP/3389) connection attempts from a single external IP to a single internal IP within a short time window. This pattern of multiple authentication failures against the same service is characteristic of a brute force attack, where an attacker systematically tries common passwords to gain unauthorized access to the RDP service.
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.
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Brute force attack against RDP service
Why this is correct
Repeated connections to RDP port suggest password guessing.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Port scan of the internal network
Why it's wrong here
Port scan would show connections to multiple ports, not same port.
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Data exfiltration to an external server
Why it's wrong here
Data exfiltration typically involves outbound traffic to external IPs.
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Normal administrative remote access
Why it's wrong here
Normal access would not generate rapid connections.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between a brute force attack (repeated attempts to the same service) and a port scan (attempts to multiple services), so candidates mistakenly choose 'port scan' when they see many entries, even though all entries target the same port.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Port scan would show connections to multiple ports, not same port.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RDP brute force attacks often use tools like Hydra or Medusa that send RDP connection requests with different usernames and passwords. The firewall logs capture the TCP three-way handshake attempts (SYN packets) and the subsequent RDP authentication failures, which appear as repeated 'deny' or 'drop' entries for port 3389. In a real-world scenario, attackers may also use proxy chains to rotate source IPs, making detection harder, but the core signature remains the high frequency of failed logins to a single service.
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.
Visual reference
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute force attack against RDP service — The firewall log shows repeated failed RDP (TCP/3389) connection attempts from a single external IP to a single internal IP within a short time window. This pattern of multiple authentication failures against the same service is characteristic of a brute force attack, where an attacker systematically tries common passwords to gain unauthorized access to the RDP service.
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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