The answer is a sudden increase in database read operations by a single user account and unusual outbound traffic to a known bad IP. These two indicators directly signal active data theft: the database reads suggest a user is bulk-extracting sensitive records, while outbound traffic to a malicious IP shows that stolen data is being transmitted to an attacker’s command server. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between direct exfiltration signals and other suspicious activities like credential abuse or lateral movement. A common trap is confusing failed logins or unusual geolocations with exfiltration, but those point to unauthorized access attempts, not data removal. For a memory tip, think of the “Two T’s” of exfiltration: Take (database reads) and Transmit (outbound traffic to a bad IP).
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 TWO of the following are key indicators of a potential data exfiltration attempt?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unusual outbound traffic to a known malicious IP address
Unusual outbound traffic to a known bad IP (A) and a sudden increase in database read operations from a single user (D) are both strong indicators of data exfiltration. Failed logins (B) and unusual geolocations (C) are more indicative of credential abuse or lateral movement, while firewall rule changes (E) could be part of normal administration or a precursor to exfiltration but are not direct indicators.
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.
✗
Large number of failed login attempts from multiple accounts
Why it's wrong here
Failed logins suggest brute force or credential stuffing, not data exfiltration.
✓
Unusual outbound traffic to a known malicious IP address
Why this is correct
This is a direct indicator of data being sent to an external threat actor.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Multiple firewall rule changes in a short period
Why it's wrong here
This is related to network configuration changes, not a direct exfiltration signal.
✗
Successful logins from unusual geolocations for multiple users
Why it's wrong here
This indicates possible credential compromise or lateral movement, not exfiltration.
✓
Sudden increase in database read operations by a single user account
Why this is correct
A spike in reads could indicate bulk data extraction.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 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.
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.
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: Unusual outbound traffic to a known malicious IP address — Unusual outbound traffic to a known bad IP (A) and a sudden increase in database read operations from a single user (D) are both strong indicators of data exfiltration. Failed logins (B) and unusual geolocations (C) are more indicative of credential abuse or lateral movement, while firewall rule changes (E) could be part of normal administration or a precursor to exfiltration but are not direct indicators.
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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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
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