- A
NIDS
Network-based IDS monitors network traffic for malicious patterns.
- B
HIDS
Why wrong: Host-based IDS monitors activity on a single host.
- C
UBA
Why wrong: User Behavior Analytics focuses on user activity, not network packets.
- D
SIEM
Why wrong: SIEM aggregates logs from multiple sources, but is not primarily an IDS.
Question 793 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 type of IDS monitors network traffic at a specific network segment and analyzes packets for malicious patterns?
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
✓
NIDS
A Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) is specifically designed to monitor traffic on a network segment, capturing packets in real time and analyzing them for known attack signatures or anomalous patterns. Unlike host-based systems, NIDS operates at the network layer, inspecting headers and payloads to detect malicious activity such as port scans, DoS attacks, or exploit attempts.
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.
- ✓
NIDS
Why this is correct
Network-based IDS monitors network traffic for malicious patterns.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
HIDS
Why it's wrong here
Host-based IDS monitors activity on a single host.
- ✗
UBA
Why it's wrong here
User Behavior Analytics focuses on user activity, not network packets.
- ✗
SIEM
Why it's wrong here
SIEM aggregates logs from multiple sources, but is not primarily an IDS.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between network-based and host-based monitoring, and the trap here is that candidates confuse HIDS with NIDS because both involve 'intrusion detection,' but HIDS operates on the host while NIDS operates on the network segment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NIDS typically uses a network interface card in promiscuous mode to capture all packets on a segment, then applies signature-based detection (e.g., Snort rules) or anomaly-based detection to identify threats. A subtle behavior is that NIDS can be bypassed by encrypted traffic or fragmented packets if not configured to reassemble flows, which is why some deployments pair it with SSL inspection or IP defragmentation. In a real-world scenario, a NIDS placed at the ingress point of a DMZ can detect a SQL injection attempt in HTTP POST payloads before it reaches the web server.
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 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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
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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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: NIDS — A Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) is specifically designed to monitor traffic on a network segment, capturing packets in real time and analyzing them for known attack signatures or anomalous patterns. Unlike host-based systems, NIDS operates at the network layer, inspecting headers and payloads to detect malicious activity such as port scans, DoS attacks, or exploit attempts.
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
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: 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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