- A
Conduct daily vulnerability scans on the device VLAN
Why wrong: Scanning identifies but does not mitigate the vulnerability; it may also cause instability.
- B
Deploy host-based intrusion prevention on each device
Why wrong: Medical devices often cannot support additional software, and it may interfere with operation.
- C
Use a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the devices
Why wrong: WAFs are for HTTP traffic; medical devices often use proprietary protocols.
- D
Implement strict network segmentation and access control lists (ACLs) to allow only necessary traffic
Segmentation with ACLs minimizes exposure and is feasible without modifying the devices.
Question 932 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Network Segmentation Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network segmentation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: network Segmentation. 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 hospital's IT department manages a network with hundreds of medical devices, including patient monitors and infusion pumps, all connected to a separate VLAN. The security team has identified that several devices are running outdated firmware with known vulnerabilities. The vendor has not released patches for these legacy devices. The hospital cannot replace them immediately due to budget constraints. The network team proposes moving the devices to a more restrictive firewall zone and implementing intrusion detection. Which of the following additional controls should be implemented to BEST reduce the risk of a breach exploiting these devices?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"immediately / without restart"Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
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
✓
Implement strict network segmentation and access control lists (ACLs) to allow only necessary traffic
The best additional control is strict network segmentation and ACLs (option D) to limit communication to only essential traffic, reducing the attack surface despite the unpatched devices. Daily vulnerability scans (A) only identify issues without remediation. Host-based IPS (B) is often unsupported on legacy medical devices. A WAF (C) protects web applications, not the device-specific protocols used by monitors and pumps. Since the devices are already on a separate VLAN, further restricting allowed traffic with ACLs minimizes exposure to exploits and prevents lateral movement.
Key principle: Network Segmentation
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Conduct daily vulnerability scans on the device VLAN
Why it's wrong here
Scanning identifies but does not mitigate the vulnerability; it may also cause instability.
- ✗
Deploy host-based intrusion prevention on each device
Why it's wrong here
Medical devices often cannot support additional software, and it may interfere with operation.
- ✗
Use a web application firewall (WAF) in front of the devices
Why it's wrong here
WAFs are for HTTP traffic; medical devices often use proprietary protocols.
- ✓
Implement strict network segmentation and access control lists (ACLs) to allow only necessary traffic
Why this is correct
Segmentation with ACLs minimizes exposure and is feasible without modifying the devices.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Network Segmentation
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates may confuse compensating controls like IDS/IPS with effective segmentation. For unpatched legacy devices, preventing access is key.
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
- Network Segmentation
- Access Control List (ACL)
- Compensating Controls
- Legacy Device Risk
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
Network Segmentation
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.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review network Segmentation, 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?
Network Segmentation
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement strict network segmentation and access control lists (ACLs) to allow only necessary traffic — The best additional control is strict network segmentation and ACLs (option D) to limit communication to only essential traffic, reducing the attack surface despite the unpatched devices. Daily vulnerability scans (A) only identify issues without remediation. Host-based IPS (B) is often unsupported on legacy medical devices. A WAF (C) protects web applications, not the device-specific protocols used by monitors and pumps. Since the devices are already on a separate VLAN, further restricting allowed traffic with ACLs minimizes exposure to exploits and prevents lateral movement.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review network Segmentation, 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: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Network Segmentation
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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