- A
Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP).
CSP restricts sources of executable scripts, mitigating XSS even if injection occurs.
- B
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to block known XSS payloads.
Why wrong: WAFs provide detection and blocking but are not a code-level prevention.
- C
Replace GET requests with POST for all form submissions.
Why wrong: HTTP method does not impact XSS; both GET and POST can carry malicious data.
- D
Encode all user input before displaying it in HTTP responses.
Output encoding ensures that user-supplied data is treated as text, not executable code.
- E
Use HTTPS for all communications.
Why wrong: HTTPS ensures confidentiality, not prevention of XSS.
SSCP Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are effective measures…
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.
Which TWO of the following are effective measures to prevent cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in a web application?
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 a Content Security Policy (CSP).
The correct answers are A and D. Implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP) is an effective browser-side defense that restricts the execution of unauthorized scripts, thereby mitigating XSS attacks. Encoding all user input before displaying it in HTTP responses (output encoding) neutralizes any embedded malicious scripts, preventing them from executing in the user's browser. Option B (WAF) can help detect and block some known XSS payloads but is not a primary prevention measure and can be bypassed. Option C (replacing GET with POST) does not prevent XSS because XSS can occur regardless of the HTTP method used; the vulnerability lies in how input is handled on the server side. Option E (HTTPS) only encrypts data in transit and does not protect against XSS, which is a client-side injection attack.
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.
- ✓
Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP).
Why this is correct
CSP restricts sources of executable scripts, mitigating XSS even if injection occurs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a web application firewall (WAF) to block known XSS payloads.
Why it's wrong here
WAFs provide detection and blocking but are not a code-level prevention.
- ✗
Replace GET requests with POST for all form submissions.
Why it's wrong here
HTTP method does not impact XSS; both GET and POST can carry malicious data.
- ✓
Encode all user input before displaying it in HTTP responses.
Why this is correct
Output encoding ensures that user-supplied data is treated as text, not executable code.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use HTTPS for all communications.
Why it's wrong here
HTTPS ensures confidentiality, not prevention of XSS.
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: Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP). — The correct answers are A and D. Implementing a Content Security Policy (CSP) is an effective browser-side defense that restricts the execution of unauthorized scripts, thereby mitigating XSS attacks. Encoding all user input before displaying it in HTTP responses (output encoding) neutralizes any embedded malicious scripts, preventing them from executing in the user's browser. Option B (WAF) can help detect and block some known XSS payloads but is not a primary prevention measure and can be bypassed. Option C (replacing GET with POST) does not prevent XSS because XSS can occur regardless of the HTTP method used; the vulnerability lies in how input is handled on the server side. Option E (HTTPS) only encrypts data in transit and does not protect against XSS, which is a client-side injection attack.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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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