- A
Implement a one-time password (OTP) system via a mobile app.
OTP via mobile app is a low-cost, easy-to-deploy second factor that works with employees' own smartphones, regardless of location.
- B
Increase password complexity requirements and enforce periodic changes.
Why wrong: This does not add a second factor; it only makes passwords stronger, which is insufficient as a multi-factor solution.
- C
Issue USB tokens to all employees.
Why wrong: USB tokens require upfront purchase, distribution logistics, and employees must carry them; costs and complexity are higher.
- D
Use Windows Hello facial recognition on company laptops.
Why wrong: Windows Hello requires specific hardware (cameras) and may not be available on all devices, especially if employees use personal devices remotely.
Quick Answer
The answer is implementing a one-time password (OTP) system via a mobile app, as it provides the most cost-effective multi-factor authentication OTP mobile app solution for a small, remote workforce. This approach adds a second authentication factor—something you have (the mobile device)—without requiring expensive hardware like smart cards or biometric scanners, making it ideal for a limited budget. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your understanding of balancing security controls with cost and practicality, often appearing in domain 1 (Access Controls) scenarios where remote work is a constraint. A common trap is choosing smart cards or biometrics without considering hardware costs or remote compatibility, while increasing password complexity is a distractor since it does not add a second factor. Memory tip: think “BYOD for MFA”—the employee’s own phone becomes the free second factor, keeping costs low and security high.
SSCP Access Controls Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of access controls. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A small company with 50 employees uses a local file server for sharing documents. Each employee has a username and password for authentication. The company wants to implement an additional layer of security to protect sensitive data without incurring high costs. They are considering using smart cards or biometric scanners. However, the budget is limited, and employees often work remotely. Which of the following is the most cost-effective and practical approach to strengthen authentication?
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 a one-time password (OTP) system via a mobile app.
One-time password (OTP) via a mobile app is low-cost, does not require additional hardware, and works well for remote employees by providing a second factor without relying on location-specific devices. Smart cards or USB tokens require hardware purchase and distribution. Biometrics like Windows Hello require compatible hardware and may not be available on all remote devices. Increasing password complexity is not multi-factor authentication and does not add a second factor.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implement a one-time password (OTP) system via a mobile app.
Why this is correct
OTP via mobile app is a low-cost, easy-to-deploy second factor that works with employees' own smartphones, regardless of location.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Increase password complexity requirements and enforce periodic changes.
Why it's wrong here
This does not add a second factor; it only makes passwords stronger, which is insufficient as a multi-factor solution.
- ✗
Issue USB tokens to all employees.
Why it's wrong here
USB tokens require upfront purchase, distribution logistics, and employees must carry them; costs and complexity are higher.
- ✗
Use Windows Hello facial recognition on company laptops.
Why it's wrong here
Windows Hello requires specific hardware (cameras) and may not be available on all devices, especially if employees use personal devices remotely.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SSCP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
- →
Access Controls — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Access Controls practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Access Controls — This question tests Access Controls — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement a one-time password (OTP) system via a mobile app. — One-time password (OTP) via a mobile app is low-cost, does not require additional hardware, and works well for remote employees by providing a second factor without relying on location-specific devices. Smart cards or USB tokens require hardware purchase and distribution. Biometrics like Windows Hello require compatible hardware and may not be available on all remote devices. Increasing password complexity is not multi-factor authentication and does not add a second factor.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SSCP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 company uses an identity management system that requires users to authenticate using a smart card and a PIN. This is an example of:
medium- A.Single sign-on (SSO)
- B.Biometric authentication
- ✓ C.Two-factor authentication
- D.Multi-factor authentication
Why C: Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires two distinct factors from different categories: something you have (the smart card) and something you know (the PIN). This combination provides stronger assurance than a single factor because an attacker would need both physical possession of the card and knowledge of the PIN to authenticate.
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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