Quick Answer
The answer is DHCP snooping, because this switch feature is specifically designed to prevent rogue DHCP servers from assigning unauthorized IP addresses on a network. DHCP snooping works by filtering untrusted DHCP messages on switch ports, allowing only DHCP servers connected to manually configured trusted ports to respond to client requests, while building a binding database that tracks legitimate IP-to-MAC assignments. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of network access controls and layer 2 security mechanisms, often appearing in questions about mitigating man-in-the-middle or denial-of-service attacks via rogue DHCP. A common trap is confusing DHCP snooping with Dynamic ARP Inspection (DAI), but remember that DAI relies on the DHCP snooping binding table—they work together, but snooping is the foundational feature that blocks the rogue server itself. To lock it in, think: “Trust the port, block the rogue—DHCP snooping is the gatekeeper.”
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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.
A network technician needs to ensure that only authorized DHCP servers can assign IP addresses on the network. Which switch feature should be enabled?
DHCP snooping
DHCP snooping blocks unauthorized DHCP server responses.
Dynamic ARP Inspection
Why wrong: DAI validates ARP packets, not DHCP messages.
Port security
Why wrong: Port security limits MAC addresses, not DHCP servers.
BPDU guard
Why wrong: BPDU guard protects against bridge loops, not DHCP.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DHCP snooping
DHCP snooping is a security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages and builds a DHCP snooping binding database by monitoring DHCP traffic on untrusted ports. By enabling DHCP snooping on the switch, only DHCP servers connected to trusted ports can assign IP addresses, preventing rogue DHCP server attacks.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
DHCP snooping
Why this is correct
DHCP snooping blocks unauthorized DHCP server responses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Dynamic ARP Inspection
Port security
Why it's wrong here
Port security limits MAC addresses, not DHCP servers.
BPDU guard
Why it's wrong here
BPDU guard protects against bridge loops, not DHCP.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests DHCP snooping by confusing it with Dynamic ARP Inspection, but the key distinction is that DHCP snooping directly controls DHCP server messages, while DAI relies on the snooping database to validate ARP traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
DHCP snooping operates by classifying switch ports as trusted or untrusted; trusted ports are typically uplinks to known DHCP servers, while untrusted ports face end hosts. The switch drops DHCP server messages (OFFER, ACK, etc.) received on untrusted ports, and the binding database maps IP-to-MAC-to-port for use by other security features like DAI and IP Source Guard. In a real-world scenario, a rogue DHCP server plugged into an access port would be blocked, preventing IP address conflicts and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DHCP snooping — DHCP snooping is a security feature that filters untrusted DHCP messages and builds a DHCP snooping binding database by monitoring DHCP traffic on untrusted ports. By enabling DHCP snooping on the switch, only DHCP servers connected to trusted ports can assign IP addresses, preventing rogue DHCP server attacks.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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