- A
Use only operating systems that no longer require security patches
Why wrong: Using operating systems that no longer require security patches leaves systems vulnerable to known exploits and is not a valid patching strategy.
- B
Assign a technician to manually patch each workstation monthly
Why wrong: Manual patching is error-prone, time-consuming, and not scalable for many workstations.
- C
Deploy a centralized patch management solution
A centralized patch management solution automates deployment, reporting, and compliance checking.
- D
Enable automatic updates on each workstation from the vendor
Why wrong: Enabling automatic updates from the vendor can be unreliable because updates may be delayed or not centrally managed.
Question 135 of 1,000
easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: An IT administrator needs to ensure that all…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 IT administrator needs to ensure that all workstations receive security patches in a timely manner. Which process is MOST effective for this?
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
✓
Deploy a centralized patch management solution
Option C is correct because a centralized patch management system automates deployment and reporting. Option A is wrong because using operating systems that no longer require security patches means they are unsupported and insecure, as they do not receive updates. Option B is wrong because manual patching is error-prone and not scalable. Option D is wrong because automatic updates from the vendor can be unreliable and do not provide centralized reporting.
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.
- ✗
Use only operating systems that no longer require security patches
Why it's wrong here
Using operating systems that no longer require security patches leaves systems vulnerable to known exploits and is not a valid patching strategy.
- ✗
Assign a technician to manually patch each workstation monthly
Why it's wrong here
Manual patching is error-prone, time-consuming, and not scalable for many workstations.
- ✓
Deploy a centralized patch management solution
Why this is correct
A centralized patch management solution automates deployment, reporting, and compliance checking.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Enable automatic updates on each workstation from the vendor
Why it's wrong here
Enabling automatic updates from the vendor can be unreliable because updates may be delayed or not centrally managed.
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 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.
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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: Deploy a centralized patch management solution — Option C is correct because a centralized patch management system automates deployment and reporting. Option A is wrong because using operating systems that no longer require security patches means they are unsupported and insecure, as they do not receive updates. Option B is wrong because manual patching is error-prone and not scalable. Option D is wrong because automatic updates from the vendor can be unreliable and do not provide centralized reporting.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 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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