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SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Windows Firewall Rule (PowerShell output): ``` Name : Block SMB Outbound DisplayName : Block SMB Outbound Description : Blocks outbound SMB traffic to prevent lateral movement Enabled : True Direction : Outbound Action : Block Profile : Domain LocalAddress: Any RemoteAddress: Any Protocol : TCP LocalPort : Any RemotePort : 445 ```
Refer to the exhibit. An administrator implements this firewall rule. What is the intended effect?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse outbound and inbound rules, assuming a rule blocking port 445 affects all traffic on that port, when in fact it only blocks traffic in one direction.
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
✓
It prevents this computer from initiating SMB connections to other computers.
The firewall rule shown is an outbound rule that blocks TCP port 445, which is used by SMB (Server Message Block). By blocking outbound traffic on this port, the computer is prevented from initiating SMB connections to other computers, while still allowing inbound SMB connections. This is a common security measure to prevent a compromised machine from spreading malware or accessing file shares on other systems.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
It blocks all inbound and outbound traffic on port 445.
Why it's wrong here
Only outbound traffic is blocked.
- ✗
It prevents inbound SMB connections from other domain computers.
Why it's wrong here
The rule is outbound, so it blocks connections initiated by this machine.
- ✓
It prevents this computer from initiating SMB connections to other computers.
Why this is correct
Outbound block on port 445 stops this machine from connecting to others via SMB.
- ✗
It applies to all network profiles (Domain, Private, Public).
Why it's wrong here
The rule applies only to the Domain profile.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.