SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Group Policy Security Setting:
```
Policy Path: Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\User Rights Assignment
Policy Setting: 'Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services'
Members: CONTOSO\Backup Operators
```
Refer to the exhibit. A systems administrator configures this Group Policy setting. What is the direct consequence?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Members of Backup Operators cannot connect to the server using Remote Desktop.
Option C is correct because the 'Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services' policy explicitly prevents the specified group from using RDP. Option A is wrong because the policy denies, not allows. Option B is wrong because it affects only Remote Desktop, not console. Option D is wrong because it does not affect other remote access methods like SSH unless specifically configured.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Members of Backup Operators cannot connect to the server using Remote Desktop.
Why this is correct
The deny setting explicitly blocks RDP access for that group.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
Members of Backup Operators are prohibited from local console logon.
Why it's wrong here
The policy applies only to Remote Desktop Services, not console.
✗
Members of Backup Operators can connect via Remote Desktop.
Why it's wrong here
The policy denies RDP access, not allows.
✗
Members of Backup Operators are prevented from using any remote access method.
Why it's wrong here
Only Remote Desktop is denied; other methods like SSH may still be available.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. 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.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Members of Backup Operators cannot connect to the server using Remote Desktop. — Option C is correct because the 'Deny log on through Remote Desktop Services' policy explicitly prevents the specified group from using RDP. Option A is wrong because the policy denies, not allows. Option B is wrong because it affects only Remote Desktop, not console. Option D is wrong because it does not affect other remote access methods like SSH unless specifically configured.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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.