- A
Insider threat
Why wrong: An insider would normally not need to log in from two distant locations rapidly.
- B
Time synchronization issue
Why wrong: Time sync issues would affect timestamps but not produce logins from different locations.
- C
Credential theft and reuse
This is a classic sign of stolen credentials being used by an attacker.
- D
Misconfigured VPN
Why wrong: A misconfigured VPN might cause multiple logins but not typically from geographically distant locations.
Question 136 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP A company uses a SIEM to detect anomalies Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of a company uses a siem to detect anomalies. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 company uses a SIEM to detect anomalies. An alert indicates a user logged in from two geographically distant locations within 5 minutes. What is the most likely indication?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
✓
Credential theft and reuse
A scenario where a user logs in from two geographically distant locations within a short time frame is a classic indicator of credential theft and reuse. An attacker likely obtained the user's credentials and is using them from a different location. Option A (Insider threat) is less likely because an insider would not typically need to log in from two distant locations simultaneously. Option B (Time synchronization issue) would cause log timestamps to be off, but not the pattern of two logins from different locations. Option D (Misconfigured VPN) could mask the actual location but would not typically produce two distinct distant locations. Therefore, option C is the most likely indication.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Insider threat
Why it's wrong here
An insider would normally not need to log in from two distant locations rapidly.
- ✗
Time synchronization issue
Why it's wrong here
Time sync issues would affect timestamps but not produce logins from different locations.
- ✓
Credential theft and reuse
Why this is correct
This is a classic sign of stolen credentials being used by an attacker.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- ✗
Misconfigured VPN
Why it's wrong here
A misconfigured VPN might cause multiple logins but not typically from geographically distant locations.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
- Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
- Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
- The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
- Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
- Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
- Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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. Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SSCP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Credential theft and reuse — A scenario where a user logs in from two geographically distant locations within a short time frame is a classic indicator of credential theft and reuse. An attacker likely obtained the user's credentials and is using them from a different location. Option A (Insider threat) is less likely because an insider would not typically need to log in from two distant locations simultaneously. Option B (Time synchronization issue) would cause log timestamps to be off, but not the pattern of two logins from different locations. Option D (Misconfigured VPN) could mask the actual location but would not typically produce two distinct distant locations. Therefore, option C is the most likely indication.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related SSCP subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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