The correct answer is that default outbound connections set to Allow represent the most significant weakness, as this configuration permits any application, including malware, to initiate outbound communication without restriction. This is a critical oversight because while inbound rules are often tightly controlled, an unrestricted outbound policy undermines endpoint security by allowing data exfiltration or command-and-control traffic to leave the network. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of firewall default behaviors and the principle of least privilege—specifically that outbound traffic should be explicitly permitted only as needed, not allowed by default. A common trap is focusing on disabled inbound rules like RDP, but the exam emphasizes that outbound allow risks are more pervasive and harder to monitor. Remember the mnemonic: “Outbound open, malware’s hope; outbound locked, threats are blocked.”
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
netsh advfirewall show currentprofile
Profile : Private
State : On
Inbound connections : Block (default)
Outbound connections: Allow (default)
Firewall Rules:
Rule Name Action Enabled
------------------------------------ -------- -------
File and Printer Sharing (Echo Req) Allow No
Remote Desktop (TCP-In) Allow No
RDP (UDP-In) Block Yes
```
Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst reviews the firewall configuration for a Windows workstation on a private network. What is the MOST significant weakness?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Default outbound connections are set to Allow, potentially allowing malware to communicate out
Option B is correct because Remote Desktop (TCP-In) rule is disabled (Enabled: No), so RDP is not allowed in, which might be intended but the issue is that the rule 'RDP (UDP-In)' is set to Block and Enabled: Yes, which blocks UDP RDP traffic. However, the question asks for 'most significant weakness'. The configuration shows inbound connections are blocked by default, but the RDP (UDP-In) rule is blocking UDP RDP. This could be a problem if RDP is needed. But option B points out that the rule for UDP RDP is blocking, which might block legitimate traffic if RDP uses UDP. Actually, the exhibit shows 'RDP (UDP-In) Block Yes' meaning it is blocking UDP RDP. Option A is incorrect because the default inbound is block, which is good. Option C is correct? Wait, let's analyze: The weakness is that outbound connections are allowed by default, which is typical but could be a weakness if not controlled. Option D is incorrect because File and Printer Sharing rule is disabled, which is good for security. The most significant weakness is allowing all outbound connections by default, which could allow malware to communicate out. Option C says 'Default outbound connections are set to Allow, potentially allowing malware to communicate out.' That is a common weakness. Option B is also plausible but blocking UDP RDP might be intentional. However, many organizations block UDP RDP to prevent vulnerabilities. But outbound allow is a bigger concern. So I'll go with C. But to align with typical exam, outbound allow default is a common weakness. So option C is correct.
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.
✗
Inbound connections are set to Block by default
Why it's wrong here
Blocking inbound by default is a security best practice.
✓
Default outbound connections are set to Allow, potentially allowing malware to communicate out
Why this is correct
Allowing all outbound by default is a security weakness.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The rule 'RDP (UDP-In)' is set to Block and enabled, which blocks legitimate RDP traffic
Why it's wrong here
Blocking UDP RDP might be intentional; UDP RDP is less common and can be a vulnerability.
✗
The rule 'File and Printer Sharing (Echo Req)' is disabled, preventing network discovery
Why it's wrong here
Disabling this rule is good for security as it reduces attack surface.
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 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.
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Default outbound connections are set to Allow, potentially allowing malware to communicate out — Option B is correct because Remote Desktop (TCP-In) rule is disabled (Enabled: No), so RDP is not allowed in, which might be intended but the issue is that the rule 'RDP (UDP-In)' is set to Block and Enabled: Yes, which blocks UDP RDP traffic. However, the question asks for 'most significant weakness'. The configuration shows inbound connections are blocked by default, but the RDP (UDP-In) rule is blocking UDP RDP. This could be a problem if RDP is needed. But option B points out that the rule for UDP RDP is blocking, which might block legitimate traffic if RDP uses UDP. Actually, the exhibit shows 'RDP (UDP-In) Block Yes' meaning it is blocking UDP RDP. Option A is incorrect because the default inbound is block, which is good. Option C is correct? Wait, let's analyze: The weakness is that outbound connections are allowed by default, which is typical but could be a weakness if not controlled. Option D is incorrect because File and Printer Sharing rule is disabled, which is good for security. The most significant weakness is allowing all outbound connections by default, which could allow malware to communicate out. Option C says 'Default outbound connections are set to Allow, potentially allowing malware to communicate out.' That is a common weakness. Option B is also plausible but blocking UDP RDP might be intentional. However, many organizations block UDP RDP to prevent vulnerabilities. But outbound allow is a bigger concern. So I'll go with C. But to align with typical exam, outbound allow default is a common weakness. So option C is correct.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.