SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
During a security assessment, it is discovered that a Linux server has unnecessary services running, including Telnet and FTP. The server is also missing critical security patches. Which of the following is the MOST effective approach to harden this server according to industry best practices?
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
✓
Disable Telnet and FTP services, and apply all critical security patches.
System hardening involves removing unnecessary services, applying patches, and following benchmarks like CIS or DISA STIGs. Disabling Telnet and FTP and applying all critical patches directly addresses the discovered issues.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Move the server to a more secure network segment and implement network access controls.
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation is a compensating control, not a direct hardening measure for the server itself.
- ✗
Enable SELinux and configure a host-based firewall using iptables.
Why it's wrong here
While SELinux and firewall are good, they do not address the removal of unnecessary services or missing patches.
- ✗
Install a host-based intrusion detection system (HIDS) to monitor for attacks.
Why it's wrong here
HIDS adds monitoring but does not remove insecure services or patch vulnerabilities.
- ✓
Disable Telnet and FTP services, and apply all critical security patches.
Why this is correct
Disabling unnecessary services and patching are fundamental hardening steps.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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. During a security assessment, you discover that a Windows server has the Telnet service running. Which of the following is the BEST action to harden the server against this finding?
easy- A.Configure a host-based firewall to allow Telnet only from specific IPs
- B.Enable encryption on Telnet
- ✓ C.Remove the Telnet service and use SSH instead
- D.Audit Telnet connections in Event Viewer
Why C: Telnet is an unencrypted protocol that transmits credentials in cleartext. Removing unnecessary services reduces the attack surface; disabling Telnet eliminates a known vulnerability.
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.