- A
Configure the computers to only allow standard user accounts.
Why wrong: This does not prevent students from using the local Administrator account if they know the password, as they could still log in with that account.
- B
Disable the local Administrator account on all lab computers.
Why wrong: Disabling the local Administrator account might break functionality if it is relied upon by some software or processes, and it may not be feasible if the account is needed for administrative tasks.
- C
Use a tool to assign a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer.
Assigning a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer prevents students from using a common password to gain administrative access, thereby stopping unauthorized software installations.
- D
Implement Software Restriction Policies to block unauthorized executables.
Why wrong: Software Restriction Policies can block specific executables, but they do not prevent students from using the Administrator account to bypass restrictions, as the account itself is not restricted.
SSCP Practice Question: A university IT department manages a lab of 50…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A university IT department manages a lab of 50 computers running Windows 10 that are used by students for coursework. The computers are joined to a domain and have Group Policy applied to restrict administrative access. Recently, several students were able to install unauthorized software by using the built-in Administrator account, which had the same password on all lab computers. The IT department wants to prevent this without affecting the students' ability to run required academic software. Which of the following is the most effective solution?
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
Use a tool to assign a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer.
Option C is correct because assigning a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer prevents unauthorized use of that account without impacting normal user operations. Option A is incorrect because configuring computers to only allow standard user accounts would prevent students from installing unauthorized software, but it might also block required academic software that needs administrative privileges, and it does not address the vulnerability of the shared Administrator account. Option B is incorrect because disabling the local Administrator account could break legitimate administrative tasks or require alternative methods, and it does not prevent students from using other accounts with admin privileges. Option D is incorrect because Software Restriction Policies can block unauthorized executables, but they do not prevent students from directly using the Administrator account to bypass restrictions.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Configure the computers to only allow standard user accounts.
Why it's wrong here
This does not prevent students from using the local Administrator account if they know the password, as they could still log in with that account.
- ✗
Disable the local Administrator account on all lab computers.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the local Administrator account might break functionality if it is relied upon by some software or processes, and it may not be feasible if the account is needed for administrative tasks.
- ✓
Use a tool to assign a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer.
Why this is correct
Assigning a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer prevents students from using a common password to gain administrative access, thereby stopping unauthorized software installations.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Implement Software Restriction Policies to block unauthorized executables.
Why it's wrong here
Software Restriction Policies can block specific executables, but they do not prevent students from using the Administrator account to bypass restrictions, as the account itself is not restricted.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a tool to assign a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer. — Option C is correct because assigning a unique, random password to the local Administrator account on each computer prevents unauthorized use of that account without impacting normal user operations. Option A is incorrect because configuring computers to only allow standard user accounts would prevent students from installing unauthorized software, but it might also block required academic software that needs administrative privileges, and it does not address the vulnerability of the shared Administrator account. Option B is incorrect because disabling the local Administrator account could break legitimate administrative tasks or require alternative methods, and it does not prevent students from using other accounts with admin privileges. Option D is incorrect because Software Restriction Policies can block unauthorized executables, but they do not prevent students from directly using the Administrator account to bypass restrictions.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related SSCP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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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