- A
Disable the svc_backup account until the backup vendor releases a patch
Why wrong: Disabling the account would stop the lockouts but also break the backup service, causing data loss risk.
- B
Change the password for svc_backup and update the backup application with the new password
This resolves the root cause - the service account's password is likely stale or incorrect, causing repeated authentication failures.
- C
Create a new service account with a different name and grant it the same permissions
Why wrong: This does not address why the existing account is being used with a wrong password; the old account may still be in use.
- D
Increase the account lockout threshold to prevent lockouts
Why wrong: This only masks the symptom; the failed attempts would continue and the account would still be vulnerable.
Service Account Lockout: Troubleshooting Recurring Lockouts
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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.
A company has 200 employees using a Windows Active Directory environment. The security administrator receives multiple alerts that user accounts are being locked out every 15 minutes. The help desk confirms that users who report the issue are able to log in successfully after unlocking their accounts, but they get locked out again shortly after. The administrator checks the domain controller security logs and sees many failed logon attempts with a specific service account name 'svc_backup' from multiple workstations. The svc_backup account is used for a backup application that runs scheduled tasks. What should the administrator do to resolve the issue?
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
Change the password for svc_backup and update the backup application with the new password
The repeated lockouts are caused by a service account (svc_backup) being used with an incorrect or expired password. The most effective solution is to reset the password for that account and update it in the backup application. Disabling the account or increasing the lockout threshold does not fix the root cause. Creating a new account without addressing the password mismatch will not stop the current account from being used.
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.
- ✗
Disable the svc_backup account until the backup vendor releases a patch
Why it's wrong here
Disabling the account would stop the lockouts but also break the backup service, causing data loss risk.
- ✓
Change the password for svc_backup and update the backup application with the new password
Why this is correct
This resolves the root cause - the service account's password is likely stale or incorrect, causing repeated authentication failures.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Create a new service account with a different name and grant it the same permissions
Why it's wrong here
This does not address why the existing account is being used with a wrong password; the old account may still be in use.
- ✗
Increase the account lockout threshold to prevent lockouts
Why it's wrong here
This only masks the symptom; the failed attempts would continue and the account would still be vulnerable.
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.
Visual reference
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the password for svc_backup and update the backup application with the new password — The repeated lockouts are caused by a service account (svc_backup) being used with an incorrect or expired password. The most effective solution is to reset the password for that account and update it in the backup application. Disabling the account or increasing the lockout threshold does not fix the root cause. Creating a new account without addressing the password mismatch will not stop the current account from being used.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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