The correct answer is a failed network logon attempt for the Administrator account. This is determined by event ID 4625 combined with logon type 3, which specifically indicates a network logon—such as an attempt to access a shared folder, printer, or remote service—rather than an interactive or batch logon. The status code in the event may point to a disabled or locked account, but the key detail is that the failure originated from the network, not from the local console. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) exam, this tests your ability to interpret Windows security logs and distinguish between logon types, a common skill in access control and monitoring domains. A frequent trap is confusing logon type 3 with type 2 (interactive) or assuming the failure reason alone determines the answer. Memory tip: think “Type 3 = Third-party connection” to remember it’s a network-based attempt.
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Event Log Entry:
```
Log Name: Security
Source: Microsoft-Windows-Security-Auditing
Event ID: 4625
Task Category: Logon
Level: Information
Keywords: Audit Failure
User: NETWORK SERVICE
Computer: DC01.contoso.com
Description:
An account failed to log on.
Subject:
Security ID: SYSTEM
Account Name: DC01$
Account Domain: CONTOSO
Logon ID: 0x3E7
Logon Type: 3
Account For Which Logon Failed:
Security ID: NULL SID
Account Name: administrator
Account Domain: CONTOSO
Failure Information:
Failure Reason: Unknown user name or bad password.
Status: 0xC000006D
Sub Status: 0xC000006A
```
Refer to the exhibit. What does this event indicate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A failed logon attempt for the Administrator account from the network.
The event shows a logon failure with a status code indicating the account is disabled or locked, but the exhibit specifically references a network logon (logon type 3) for the Administrator account. Option D is correct because the failure is from the network, not interactive or locked out, and the event ID 4625 with logon type 3 indicates a failed network logon attempt.
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.
✗
A successful logon for the Administrator account.
Why it's wrong here
Successful logon is event 4624.
✗
An interactive logon failure for the Administrator account.
Why it's wrong here
Logon type 3 is network, not interactive (type 2 or 10).
✗
The Administrator account is locked out.
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout is event 4740.
✓
A failed logon attempt for the Administrator account from the network.
Why this is correct
The event shows a failed logon for Administrator via network (logon type 3).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse a failed logon with an account lockout, or misinterpret logon type 3 as interactive, because they focus on the 'Administrator' account name rather than the logon type and status code details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Windows Security Log event ID 4625 records failed logon attempts, with logon type 3 representing network logons (e.g., SMB, RDP, or file share access). The status code 0xC000006D typically means the username is valid but the password is incorrect, while 0xC0000234 specifically indicates account lockout. Understanding logon types is critical for incident response to distinguish between brute-force attacks (network) and local console attacks (interactive).
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.
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A failed logon attempt for the Administrator account from the network. — The event shows a logon failure with a status code indicating the account is disabled or locked, but the exhibit specifically references a network logon (logon type 3) for the Administrator account. Option D is correct because the failure is from the network, not interactive or locked out, and the event ID 4625 with logon type 3 indicates a failed network logon attempt.
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.
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Question Discussion
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