- A
Ability to detect previously unknown threats based on anomalous behavior
UEBA excels at detecting unknown threats by identifying deviations.
- B
Requires less data processing than signature-based detection
Why wrong: UEBA often requires substantial processing to establish baselines.
- C
Easier to configure and maintain
Why wrong: UEBA is complex to tune.
- D
Lower false positive rates compared to signature-based detection
Why wrong: Behavior-based can have higher false positives initially.
Question 350 of 1,000
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.
Which of the following is a key advantage of using a behavior-based detection approach in a User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) system?
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
✓
Ability to detect previously unknown threats based on anomalous behavior
Behavior-based detection in UEBA establishes a baseline of normal user and entity activity using machine learning and statistical models. It then identifies deviations from this baseline, enabling the detection of novel or previously unknown threats, such as zero-day exploits or insider threats, without relying on pre-defined signatures.
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.
- ✓
Ability to detect previously unknown threats based on anomalous behavior
Why this is correct
UEBA excels at detecting unknown threats by identifying deviations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Requires less data processing than signature-based detection
Why it's wrong here
UEBA often requires substantial processing to establish baselines.
- ✗
Easier to configure and maintain
Why it's wrong here
UEBA is complex to tune.
- ✗
Lower false positive rates compared to signature-based detection
Why it's wrong here
Behavior-based can have higher false positives initially.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume behavior-based detection is easier or produces fewer false positives, but the exam emphasizes that its key advantage is detecting unknown threats, not operational simplicity or accuracy.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, UEBA systems use algorithms like k-means clustering, isolation forests, or recurrent neural networks to model user behavior over time, often analyzing features such as login times, data access patterns, and command usage. A real-world scenario is detecting a compromised account that exfiltrates data at 3 AM, which would be anomalous compared to the user's typical 9-to-5 activity, even if no malware signature is present. This approach is critical for identifying advanced persistent threats (APTs) that use legitimate credentials and tools.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: Ability to detect previously unknown threats based on anomalous behavior — Behavior-based detection in UEBA establishes a baseline of normal user and entity activity using machine learning and statistical models. It then identifies deviations from this baseline, enabling the detection of novel or previously unknown threats, such as zero-day exploits or insider threats, without relying on pre-defined signatures.
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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