The answer is a remote attacker attempting to brute-force the user’s password via RDP, as indicated by Logon Type 10 in the Windows security log. Logon Type 10 specifically denotes a RemoteInteractive logon, which is the event code generated when a user connects through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). When an RDP brute force attack triggers repeated failed authentication attempts from a single source, the account lockout policy is enforced, causing the user to be locked out. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your ability to interpret Windows security event IDs and logon types, a common domain in access control and authentication monitoring. A frequent trap is confusing Logon Type 10 with Logon Type 2 (local console) or assuming any failed logon is a brute force, but the logon type narrows the vector to RDP specifically. Memory tip: think “10 for Remote” — the number ten has ten letters, just like “RemoteDesktop” has ten syllables when spoken slowly, linking the logon type to the attack surface.
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 analyst reviews a Windows security log. Given the event, what is the MOST likely cause of the lockout?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A remote attacker is attempting to brute-force the user's password via RDP
Option C is correct because Logon Type 10 (RemoteInteractive) indicates a Remote Desktop (RDP) session, and multiple failed attempts from the same source often cause lockouts due to brute-force attempts. Option A is wrong because bad password on local console would show Logon Type 2. Option B is wrong because credential caching is not directly related. Option D is wrong while incorrect password is a reason, the logon type points to RDP, so the attack vector is more specific.
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.
✗
The user's password was changed and they are using the old password
Why it's wrong here
This would show incorrect password, but lockout implies multiple attempts; the logon type still indicates remote.
✗
The user's cached credentials are expired
Why it's wrong here
Cached credential expiration does not generate a lockout event.
✓
A remote attacker is attempting to brute-force the user's password via RDP
Why this is correct
Logon Type 10 (RemoteInteractive) is RDP, and a lockout indicates multiple failed attempts.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user entered the wrong password at the physical console
Why it's wrong here
Physical logon shows Logon Type 2, not 10.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This would show incorrect password, but lockout implies multiple attempts; the logon type still indicates remote.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A remote attacker is attempting to brute-force the user's password via RDP — Option C is correct because Logon Type 10 (RemoteInteractive) indicates a Remote Desktop (RDP) session, and multiple failed attempts from the same source often cause lockouts due to brute-force attempts. Option A is wrong because bad password on local console would show Logon Type 2. Option B is wrong because credential caching is not directly related. Option D is wrong while incorrect password is a reason, the logon type points to RDP, so the attack vector is more specific.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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