The correct answer is that this firewall rule prevents the computer from initiating SMB connections to other computers. This is because the rule is an outbound block on TCP port 445, the port used by Server Message Block (SMB) for file sharing and printer access. By blocking outbound traffic on this port, the local machine cannot start an SMB session to a remote host, though it can still receive inbound SMB requests. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between inbound and outbound rule direction and to recall that SMB operates over port 445. A common trap is assuming a block on port 445 stops all SMB traffic, but the rule only affects traffic leaving the host. For the exam, remember the mnemonic: “Outbound block on 445 keeps your machine from spreading the malware alive.”
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Windows Firewall Rule (PowerShell output):
```
Name : Block SMB Outbound
DisplayName : Block SMB Outbound
Description : Blocks outbound SMB traffic to prevent lateral movement
Enabled : True
Direction : Outbound
Action : Block
Profile : Domain
LocalAddress: Any
RemoteAddress: Any
Protocol : TCP
LocalPort : Any
RemotePort : 445
```
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator implements this firewall rule. What is the intended effect?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It prevents this computer from initiating SMB connections to other computers.
The firewall rule shown is an outbound rule that blocks TCP port 445, which is used by SMB (Server Message Block). By blocking outbound traffic on this port, the computer is prevented from initiating SMB connections to other computers, while still allowing inbound SMB connections. This is a common security measure to prevent a compromised machine from spreading malware or accessing file shares on other systems.
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.
✗
It blocks all inbound and outbound traffic on port 445.
Why it's wrong here
Only outbound traffic is blocked.
✗
It prevents inbound SMB connections from other domain computers.
Why it's wrong here
The rule is outbound, so it blocks connections initiated by this machine.
✓
It prevents this computer from initiating SMB connections to other computers.
Why this is correct
Outbound block on port 445 stops this machine from connecting to others via SMB.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It applies to all network profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
Why it's wrong here
The rule applies only to the Domain profile.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse outbound and inbound rules, assuming a rule blocking port 445 affects all traffic on that port, when in fact it only blocks traffic in one direction.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SMB uses port 445 for direct TCP/IP communication without the need for NetBIOS. In Windows Firewall, outbound rules control traffic originating from the local machine, while inbound rules control traffic coming to the machine. Blocking outbound SMB is a defense-in-depth strategy to limit lateral movement in case of a breach, as it prevents the local system from connecting to remote file shares or spreading malware via SMB exploits like EternalBlue.
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 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
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.
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It prevents this computer from initiating SMB connections to other computers. — The firewall rule shown is an outbound rule that blocks TCP port 445, which is used by SMB (Server Message Block). By blocking outbound traffic on this port, the computer is prevented from initiating SMB connections to other computers, while still allowing inbound SMB connections. This is a common security measure to prevent a compromised machine from spreading malware or accessing file shares on other systems.
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.
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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.
Question Discussion
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