- A
Host-based IDS (HIDS)
Why wrong: HIDS is a deployment type on hosts.
- B
Anomaly-based IDS
Anomaly detection relies on behavioral baselines.
- C
Network-based IDS (NIDS)
Why wrong: NIDS is a deployment type, not detection method.
- D
Signature-based IDS
Why wrong: Signature-based uses known patterns.
Question 629 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 uses a baseline of normal behavior to detect anomalies?
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
✓
Anomaly-based IDS
Anomaly-based IDS (B) is correct because it establishes a baseline of normal network or system behavior through statistical modeling or machine learning, then flags deviations from that baseline as potential intrusions. This contrasts with signature-based systems that rely on predefined patterns of known attacks. The core mechanism involves profiling metrics such as CPU usage, network traffic volume, or protocol deviations over time to identify anomalies.
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.
- ✗
Host-based IDS (HIDS)
Why it's wrong here
HIDS is a deployment type on hosts.
- ✓
Anomaly-based IDS
Why this is correct
Anomaly detection relies on behavioral baselines.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Network-based IDS (NIDS)
Why it's wrong here
NIDS is a deployment type, not detection method.
- ✗
Signature-based IDS
Why it's wrong here
Signature-based uses known patterns.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between detection methodology (anomaly vs. signature) and deployment type (host-based vs. network-based), leading candidates to mistakenly choose HIDS or NIDS because they associate them with behavioral monitoring, when the question specifically asks about the detection method that uses a baseline.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Anomaly-based IDS often employs statistical techniques like thresholding (e.g., standard deviation from mean traffic rate) or more advanced methods like clustering and neural networks to define 'normal.' A real-world challenge is high false-positive rates due to legitimate but rare events (e.g., a sudden spike in SSH connections during a patch rollout), requiring careful tuning of the baseline window and sensitivity thresholds. Under the hood, systems like Zeek (formerly Bro) can generate behavioral profiles for protocols such as HTTP or DNS, flagging deviations like unexpected port usage or abnormal packet sizes.
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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Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — study guide chapter
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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: Anomaly-based IDS — Anomaly-based IDS (B) is correct because it establishes a baseline of normal network or system behavior through statistical modeling or machine learning, then flags deviations from that baseline as potential intrusions. This contrasts with signature-based systems that rely on predefined patterns of known attacks. The core mechanism involves profiling metrics such as CPU usage, network traffic volume, or protocol deviations over time to identify anomalies.
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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