- A
Network segmentation
Isolates sensitive systems to contain breaches.
- B
Employee security awareness training
Educates users to avoid risky actions.
- C
Intrusion detection system (IDS)
Why wrong: Detects but does not prevent internal threats.
- D
Single sign-on (SSO)
Why wrong: Convenience feature, not a security control against internal threats.
- E
Data loss prevention (DLP)
Monitors and blocks unauthorized data transfers.
Question 253 of 1,000
mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Which THREE are effective controls against…
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.
Which THREE are effective controls against internal network threats?
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
✓
Network segmentation
Network segmentation (A) is effective because it divides the network into isolated segments, limiting lateral movement of threats. By using VLANs or firewalls, an attacker who compromises one segment cannot easily access other critical systems, reducing the blast radius of an internal breach.
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.
- ✓
Network segmentation
Why this is correct
Isolates sensitive systems to contain breaches.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Employee security awareness training
Why this is correct
Educates users to avoid risky actions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Intrusion detection system (IDS)
Why it's wrong here
Detects but does not prevent internal threats.
- ✗
Single sign-on (SSO)
Why it's wrong here
Convenience feature, not a security control against internal threats.
- ✓
Data loss prevention (DLP)
Why this is correct
Monitors and blocks unauthorized data transfers.
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 distinction between detection and prevention, so candidates mistakenly choose IDS (C) as a control against internal threats, but it only detects, not blocks, unlike network segmentation or DLP which actively prevent or contain threats.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Network segmentation relies on Layer 2 (VLANs) or Layer 3 (subnets with ACLs) isolation, often enforced by 802.1Q trunking or firewall rules. In a real-world scenario, a zero-trust architecture uses microsegmentation to enforce per-application access, preventing a compromised workstation from pivoting to a database server even if both are on the same physical network. Employee security awareness training reduces social engineering and phishing risks, which are common internal vectors, by teaching users to recognize malicious emails or suspicious behavior. Data loss prevention (DLP) monitors and blocks unauthorized data exfiltration via protocols like SMTP, HTTP, or USB, using content inspection rules to enforce policies on sensitive data.
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.
Visual reference
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: Network segmentation — Network segmentation (A) is effective because it divides the network into isolated segments, limiting lateral movement of threats. By using VLANs or firewalls, an attacker who compromises one segment cannot easily access other critical systems, reducing the blast radius of an internal breach.
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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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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