- A
Port security with sticky MAC
Why wrong: Port security limits MAC addresses but can be bypassed by spoofing.
- B
MAC address filtering
Why wrong: MAC addresses can be spoofed, providing weak security.
- C
VLAN segmentation
Why wrong: VLANs segment traffic but do not prevent unauthorized connection.
- D
IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication
802.1X authenticates devices at the port level before allowing network access.
Question 1 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Wants to prevent unauthorized devices from…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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.
An organization wants to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to its wired network. Which security control should be implemented?
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
✓
IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication
IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication is the correct control because it authenticates each device at the network edge before granting access to the wired LAN. It uses an authentication server (e.g., RADIUS) to verify credentials or certificates, effectively preventing unauthorized devices from connecting. Unlike MAC-based controls, 802.1X provides dynamic, per-session authentication that cannot be easily spoofed.
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.
- ✗
Port security with sticky MAC
Why it's wrong here
Port security limits MAC addresses but can be bypassed by spoofing.
- ✗
MAC address filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC addresses can be spoofed, providing weak security.
- ✗
VLAN segmentation
Why it's wrong here
VLANs segment traffic but do not prevent unauthorized connection.
- ✓
IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication
Why this is correct
802.1X authenticates devices at the port level before allowing network access.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that MAC-based controls (port security or MAC filtering) provide strong authentication, when in fact they are easily bypassed by MAC spoofing, whereas 802.1X uses cryptographic credentials or certificates for true device authentication.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
802.1X operates at the port level using EAP over LAN (EAPoL) to encapsulate authentication messages between the supplicant (device), authenticator (switch), and authentication server (RADIUS). The switch places the port in an unauthorized state until successful authentication, blocking all traffic except EAPoL frames. In a real-world scenario, 802.1X can be combined with MAB (MAC Authentication Bypass) for legacy devices that do not support 802.1X, but this introduces a fallback that can be exploited if not carefully configured.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication — IEEE 802.1X port-based authentication is the correct control because it authenticates each device at the network edge before granting access to the wired LAN. It uses an authentication server (e.g., RADIUS) to verify credentials or certificates, effectively preventing unauthorized devices from connecting. Unlike MAC-based controls, 802.1X provides dynamic, per-session authentication that cannot be easily spoofed.
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
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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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