- A
Reimaging the system from a verified clean image
Why wrong: Reimaging is an effective eradication method, but if a clean image is available, it's a valid step; however, cleaning persistence is more critical in a non-reimage scenario. The question asks for the MOST critical, and cleaning persistence is fundamental.
- B
Resetting compromised user credentials
Why wrong: Resetting credentials is important but does not remove malware already on the system.
- C
Removing malicious files and cleaning registry persistence
Attackers often establish persistence; failing to remove it can lead to recompromise.
- D
Patching the exploited vulnerability
Why wrong: Patching prevents re-exploitation but does not remove existing malware.
Question 79 of 1,000
SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of incident response and recovery. 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.
During the eradication phase of incident response, which of the following actions is MOST critical to ensure the threat is completely removed from a compromised system?
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
✓
Removing malicious files and cleaning registry persistence
During the eradication phase, the primary goal is to ensure that no remnants of the attacker's presence remain on the system. Option C directly addresses this by removing malicious files and cleaning registry persistence, which eliminates backdoors, scheduled tasks, and other persistence mechanisms that could allow the threat to survive a reboot or evade detection. Without this step, even after patching or credential resets, the attacker could regain access through hidden persistence points.
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.
- ✗
Reimaging the system from a verified clean image
Why it's wrong here
Reimaging is an effective eradication method, but if a clean image is available, it's a valid step; however, cleaning persistence is more critical in a non-reimage scenario. The question asks for the MOST critical, and cleaning persistence is fundamental.
- ✗
Resetting compromised user credentials
Why it's wrong here
Resetting credentials is important but does not remove malware already on the system.
- ✓
Removing malicious files and cleaning registry persistence
Why this is correct
Attackers often establish persistence; failing to remove it can lead to recompromise.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Patching the exploited vulnerability
Why it's wrong here
Patching prevents re-exploitation but does not remove existing malware.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between eradication and recovery phases, trapping candidates who confuse patching (a preventive control) with the active removal of threat artifacts that is required during eradication.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
Reimaging is an effective eradication method, but if a clean image is available, it's a valid step; however, cleaning persistence is more critical in a non-reimage scenario. The question asks for the MOST critical, and cleaning persistence is fundamental.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, attackers often use registry run keys (e.g., HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run), scheduled tasks (schtasks), or WMI event subscriptions to maintain persistence. Simply deleting the malicious executable without cleaning these entries allows the malware to re-launch on reboot. In real-world scenarios, advanced threats like Emotet or TrickBot use multiple persistence layers, requiring thorough registry and file system scanning to ensure complete removal before recovery.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Incident Response and Recovery — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Incident Response and Recovery — This question tests Incident Response and Recovery — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Removing malicious files and cleaning registry persistence — During the eradication phase, the primary goal is to ensure that no remnants of the attacker's presence remain on the system. Option C directly addresses this by removing malicious files and cleaning registry persistence, which eliminates backdoors, scheduled tasks, and other persistence mechanisms that could allow the threat to survive a reboot or evade detection. Without this step, even after patching or credential resets, the attacker could regain access through hidden persistence points.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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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