The answer is to disconnect the server from the network. This is the correct first step in ransomware containment because immediately isolating the compromised file server stops the encryption process from spreading laterally to other systems via protocols like SMB and also cuts off communication with any command-and-control servers. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your understanding of incident response priorities within domain two, where containment often takes precedence over eradication or recovery. A common trap is to jump to running an antivirus scan or beginning file restoration, but those actions risk further propagation if the network link remains active. Remember the memory tip: “Cut the cord before you clean the board”—always sever network connectivity first to halt the spread.
SSCP Incident Response and Recovery Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of incident response and recovery. 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.
A company detects ransomware on a file server. The ransomware is currently encrypting files. Which containment strategy should be implemented FIRST?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disconnect the server from the network
Option C is correct because the immediate priority in ransomware containment is to isolate the compromised server from the network to prevent the encryption process from spreading to other systems. Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the network interface stops the ransomware from communicating with command-and-control servers and blocks lateral movement via SMB or other protocols. This containment step must occur before any remediation like antivirus scans or file restoration.
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.
✗
Run antivirus to remove the ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Antivirus may be used for eradication but should not be run while ransomware is active; containment first.
✗
Notify all users to change passwords
Why it's wrong here
Password changes are important but not the immediate containment action.
✓
Disconnect the server from the network
Why this is correct
Network isolation prevents lateral movement and further encryption.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restore files from backup
Why it's wrong here
Restoration is part of recovery, which occurs after containment.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often choose to run antivirus first, thinking removal stops the attack, but the SSCP exam emphasizes that containment (stopping the spread) must precede eradication (removing the malware).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ransomware often uses Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) or PsExec to spread laterally, and disconnecting the network interface (e.g., via `netsh interface set interface name="Ethernet" admin=disable`) immediately blocks all inbound and outbound traffic at Layer 2. In a real-world scenario, a security analyst might also use a host-based firewall rule to drop all traffic except to a forensic workstation, but physical or logical disconnection is the fastest containment method. This aligns with NIST SP 800-61 Rev 2 containment strategies, which prioritize stopping the spread before evidence collection.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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.
Incident Response and Recovery — This question tests Incident Response and Recovery — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disconnect the server from the network — Option C is correct because the immediate priority in ransomware containment is to isolate the compromised server from the network to prevent the encryption process from spreading to other systems. Disconnecting the network cable or disabling the network interface stops the ransomware from communicating with command-and-control servers and blocks lateral movement via SMB or other protocols. This containment step must occur before any remediation like antivirus scans or file restoration.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
Question Discussion
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