This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of network and communications security. 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 THREE of the following are common types of network attacks?
ARP spoofing
An attack on the local network to intercept traffic.
SYN flood
A network-layer DoS attack exploiting the TCP handshake.
Pharming
Why wrong: Often considered an application-layer attack, though it manipulates DNS.
DNS poisoning
Corrupts DNS cache to redirect traffic.
SQL injection
Why wrong: An application-layer attack on databases.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ARP spoofing
ARP spoofing is a network attack where an attacker sends falsified Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages onto a local area network. This links the attacker's MAC address with the IP address of a legitimate host, enabling interception, modification, or blocking of traffic intended for that host. It is a classic Layer 2 attack that exploits the lack of authentication in ARP.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
ARP spoofing
Why this is correct
An attack on the local network to intercept traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SYN flood
Why this is correct
A network-layer DoS attack exploiting the TCP handshake.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Pharming
Why it's wrong here
Often considered an application-layer attack, though it manipulates DNS.
DNS poisoning
Why this is correct
Corrupts DNS cache to redirect traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
An application-layer attack on databases.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the distinction between network-layer attacks (like ARP spoofing, SYN flood, DNS poisoning) and application-layer attacks (like SQL injection), causing candidates to mistakenly classify SQL injection as a network attack because it involves network traffic.
Detailed technical explanation
ARP spoofing works by sending gratuitous ARP replies that update the ARP cache of target hosts without a corresponding request. In a real-world scenario, an attacker on the same subnet can perform a man-in-the-middle attack by spoofing the default gateway's IP, causing all outbound traffic to pass through the attacker's machine for eavesdropping or modification. Tools like Ettercap or arpspoof automate this process, and defenses include dynamic ARP inspection (DAI) on managed switches.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network and Communications Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SSCP questions
504 questions across all exam domains
Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SSCP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Network and Communications Security — This question tests Network and Communications Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ARP spoofing — ARP spoofing is a network attack where an attacker sends falsified Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages onto a local area network. This links the attacker's MAC address with the IP address of a legitimate host, enabling interception, modification, or blocking of traffic intended for that host. It is a classic Layer 2 attack that exploits the lack of authentication in ARP.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.