- A
Preventive: Firewall blocking unauthorized access
A firewall is a preventive control that stops unauthorized access before it occurs.
- B
Detective: Security camera recording activities
Security cameras are detective controls that identify and record events for review.
- C
Corrective: Restoring data from backup after ransomware
Restoring from backup is a corrective control that remediates damage after an incident.
- D
Deterrent: Warning sign stating 'No Trespassing'
Warning signs are deterrent controls that discourage potential attackers.
- E
Preventive: Log monitoring and alerts
Why wrong: Incorrect — log monitoring is a detective control, not preventive.
- F
Detective: Patching vulnerabilities
Why wrong: Incorrect — patching is a preventive control that fixes vulnerabilities before exploitation.
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring and analysis. 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.
Match each security control type to its example.
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
Preventive: Firewall blocking unauthorized access
Common security control categories: Preventive controls stop incidents (e.g., firewall), Detective controls identify incidents (e.g., camera), Corrective controls remediate (e.g., backup restore), Deterrent controls discourage (e.g., warning sign). Distractors mix these roles.
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.
- ✓
Preventive: Firewall blocking unauthorized access
Why this is correct
A firewall is a preventive control that stops unauthorized access before it occurs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Detective: Security camera recording activities
Why this is correct
Security cameras are detective controls that identify and record events for review.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Corrective: Restoring data from backup after ransomware
Why this is correct
Restoring from backup is a corrective control that remediates damage after an incident.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Deterrent: Warning sign stating 'No Trespassing'
Why this is correct
Warning signs are deterrent controls that discourage potential attackers.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Preventive: Log monitoring and alerts
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — log monitoring is a detective control, not preventive.
- ✗
Detective: Patching vulnerabilities
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — patching is a preventive control that fixes vulnerabilities before exploitation.
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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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.
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Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Preventive: Firewall blocking unauthorized access — Common security control categories: Preventive controls stop incidents (e.g., firewall), Detective controls identify incidents (e.g., camera), Corrective controls remediate (e.g., backup restore), Deterrent controls discourage (e.g., warning sign). Distractors mix these roles.
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
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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