- A
Incremental backup
Why wrong: Copies changes since the last backup of any type.
- B
Snapshot backup
Why wrong: A point-in-time copy, not a traditional backup type.
- C
Differential backup
Copies changes since the last full backup.
- D
Full backup
Why wrong: Copies all data.
Question 97 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. 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.
Which backup type copies all data that has changed since the last full backup, regardless of subsequent backups?
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
✓
Differential backup
A differential backup copies all data that has changed since the last full backup, regardless of any intermediate backups. This means each differential backup grows in size as it accumulates all changes made since the last full backup, making it distinct from incremental backups which only capture changes since the last backup of any type.
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.
- ✗
Incremental backup
Why it's wrong here
Copies changes since the last backup of any type.
- ✗
Snapshot backup
Why it's wrong here
A point-in-time copy, not a traditional backup type.
- ✓
Differential backup
Why this is correct
Copies changes since the last full backup.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Full backup
Why it's wrong here
Copies all data.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction that differential backups grow over time because they accumulate all changes since the last full backup, while incremental backups are smaller but require a chain of backups for restoration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Differential backups use an archive bit or change journal to mark files that have changed since the last full backup, and each differential backup clears the archive bit only for the full backup, not for subsequent differentials. In practice, restoring from a differential backup requires only the last full backup and the most recent differential backup, reducing restore time compared to incremental chains. This behavior is defined in backup software like Windows Server Backup, where differential backups are labeled as 'Differential' and incremental as 'Incremental' in the backup schedule.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Security Operations and Administration — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Differential backup — A differential backup copies all data that has changed since the last full backup, regardless of any intermediate backups. This means each differential backup grows in size as it accumulates all changes made since the last full backup, making it distinct from incremental backups which only capture changes since the last backup of any type.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Jul 4, 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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