- A
Require device encryption
Why wrong: Encryption protects data at rest but if device is unlocked, data is accessible.
- B
Require strong passwords with complexity requirements
Why wrong: Helps prevent unauthorized access but does not allow immediate data deletion.
- C
Implement remote wipe capability
Allows administrator to erase corporate data remotely when device is lost.
- D
Enforce a screen lock timeout of 1 minute
Why wrong: Slows casual access but can be bypassed.
Question 307 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
BYOD Data Protection: Why Remote Wipe Is Most Important for Lost Devices
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.
An organization allows employees to use personal smartphones to access corporate email and data. Which control is MOST important to protect corporate data if a device is lost or stolen?
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 remote wipe capability
Option C is correct because remote wipe allows an organization to erase corporate data from a lost or stolen device, directly mitigating data exposure. Option A (device encryption) protects data at rest but does not help if the device is unlocked or if the attacker gains access through other means. Option B (strong passwords) can be bypassed via brute-force or social engineering, and once the device is unlocked, data is exposed. Option D (screen lock timeout) only delays access; it does not prevent data extraction once the device is unlocked. Therefore, remote wipe is the most important control for responding to a lost or stolen 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.
- ✗
Require device encryption
Why it's wrong here
Encryption protects data at rest but if device is unlocked, data is accessible.
- ✗
Require strong passwords with complexity requirements
Why it's wrong here
Helps prevent unauthorized access but does not allow immediate data deletion.
- ✓
Implement remote wipe capability
Why this is correct
Allows administrator to erase corporate data remotely when device is lost.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enforce a screen lock timeout of 1 minute
Why it's wrong here
Slows casual access but can be bypassed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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
An employee at a financial services firm receives an email that appears to come from the IT helpdesk, asking them to reset their password via a link. The link leads to a convincing fake portal that harvests credentials. Security teams use phishing simulations and security-awareness training to reduce this attack vector. Questions like this test whether you can identify social engineering techniques and appropriate controls.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement remote wipe capability — Option C is correct because remote wipe allows an organization to erase corporate data from a lost or stolen device, directly mitigating data exposure. Option A (device encryption) protects data at rest but does not help if the device is unlocked or if the attacker gains access through other means. Option B (strong passwords) can be bypassed via brute-force or social engineering, and once the device is unlocked, data is exposed. Option D (screen lock timeout) only delays access; it does not prevent data extraction once the device is unlocked. Therefore, remote wipe is the most important control for responding to a lost or stolen device.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on SSCP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A BYOD policy allows personal devices to access corporate email. What is the best control to enforce device encryption and remote wipe?
hard- A.Network Access Control (NAC)
- ✓ B.Mobile Device Management (MDM) profile
- C.Containerization app
- D.Mandatory VPN connection
Why B: Mobile Device Management (MDM) can enforce encryption and remote wipe policies. VPN encrypts data in transit but not the device. Containerization isolates corporate data but may not enforce full device encryption. NAC controls network access, not device settings.
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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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