- A
The VPN server has a configuration error causing incorrect location logging.
Why wrong: Incorrect: A VPN configuration error would likely cause systematic location logging issues across multiple users, not a single incident of impossible travel.
- B
The user's session token was stolen and used by an attacker.
Correct: The stolen session token allows an attacker to reuse the authenticated session from a different location without needing the password, explaining the impossible travel.
- C
The user's account is being used by multiple people with permission.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Multiple people using the account implies password sharing, which is contradicted by the statement that the password is not shared. Session token theft is more likely.
- D
The user is using a VPN service to mask their true location.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Using a VPN service would mask the true location by showing the VPN server's IP, but the user would not appear from two different locations; the logs would show a single VPN IP.
Impossible Travel Attack: Session Token Theft
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of session hijacking. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. A key principle to apply: session Hijacking. 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 company's VPN logs show that a user's account authenticated from two different geographic locations within a span of 10 minutes. The distances between locations make physical travel impossible. The security team investigates and finds that the user's password is complex and not shared. What is the MOST likely explanation?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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
The user's session token was stolen and used by an attacker.
Option B is correct because the session token could have been stolen and reused from a different location, allowing an attacker to authenticate without the password. Option A is incorrect; a configuration error would affect multiple users. Option C is incorrect; multiple people using the account would imply password sharing, which is denied. Option D is incorrect; using a VPN service would show the same VPN IP, not two different geographic locations.
Key principle: Session Hijacking
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The VPN server has a configuration error causing incorrect location logging.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: A VPN configuration error would likely cause systematic location logging issues across multiple users, not a single incident of impossible travel.
- ✓
The user's session token was stolen and used by an attacker.
Why this is correct
Correct: The stolen session token allows an attacker to reuse the authenticated session from a different location without needing the password, explaining the impossible travel.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Session Hijacking
- ✗
The user's account is being used by multiple people with permission.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Multiple people using the account implies password sharing, which is contradicted by the statement that the password is not shared. Session token theft is more likely.
- ✗
The user is using a VPN service to mask their true location.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Using a VPN service would mask the true location by showing the VPN server's IP, but the user would not appear from two different locations; the logs would show a single VPN IP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect: Using a VPN service would mask the true location by showing the VPN server's IP, but the user would not appear from two different locations; the logs would show a single VPN IP.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Treat this as a scenario question. Identify the problem, the constraint, and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Session Hijacking
- Impossible Travel
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
Session Hijacking
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. Session Hijacking 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.
Review session Hijacking, then practise related SSCP questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Session Hijacking
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user's session token was stolen and used by an attacker. — Option B is correct because the session token could have been stolen and reused from a different location, allowing an attacker to authenticate without the password. Option A is incorrect; a configuration error would affect multiple users. Option C is incorrect; multiple people using the account would imply password sharing, which is denied. Option D is incorrect; using a VPN service would show the same VPN IP, not two different geographic locations.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review session Hijacking, then practise related SSCP questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Session Hijacking
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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