Quick Answer
The answer is to use WPA3 encryption and disable SSID broadcast, though only the first is a true security measure. WPA3 provides robust, modern encryption through Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), which replaces the vulnerable Pre-Shared Key exchange in WPA2 and protects against offline dictionary attacks. Disabling SSID broadcast, while often listed alongside wireless network security best practices, only hides the network name from beacon frames; the SSID remains visible in probe requests and responses, easily captured with tools like Wireshark, making it a minor obscurity layer rather than a genuine security control. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between actual security mechanisms and mere obscurity, a common trap where candidates mistake hiding the SSID for encryption. Remember the memory tip: “Encryption is armor; hiding the SSID is just a leaf in the wind.”
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application 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 TWO of the following are best practices for securing a wireless network? (Choose two.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Disable SSID broadcast
Hiding SSID reduces visibility to casual scanners.
Set a short, simple pre-shared key for convenience
Why wrong: Weak passwords are a security risk.
Use WEP encryption
Why wrong: WEP is outdated and easily cracked.
Enable MAC address filtering
Why wrong: MAC filtering is easily bypassed by spoofing.
Use WPA3 encryption
WPA3 provides strong encryption and authentication.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Disable SSID broadcast
Disabling SSID broadcast prevents the access point from including the network name in beacon frames, making the network less visible to casual scanning tools. However, it is not a security measure because the SSID is still transmitted in probe requests and responses, and can be easily discovered using packet capture tools like Wireshark or airodump-ng. It is considered a best practice only as a minor obscurity layer, not a replacement for strong encryption.
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.
Disable SSID broadcast
Why this is correct
Hiding SSID reduces visibility to casual scanners.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Set a short, simple pre-shared key for convenience
Why it's wrong here
Weak passwords are a security risk.
Use WEP encryption
Why it's wrong here
WEP is outdated and easily cracked.
Enable MAC address filtering
Why it's wrong here
MAC filtering is easily bypassed by spoofing.
Use WPA3 encryption
Why this is correct
WPA3 provides strong encryption and authentication.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the misconception that disabling SSID broadcast is a strong security measure, when in reality it is only a minor obscurity technique that does not prevent determined attackers from discovering the network.
Detailed technical explanation
WPA3 uses Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE) handshake, which replaces the four-way handshake of WPA2 and provides forward secrecy, preventing offline dictionary attacks even if the passphrase is weak. In contrast, disabling SSID broadcast only removes the network from the beacon list, but the SSID remains in the 802.11 management frames; a single association request from a legitimate client reveals the SSID in plaintext. Real-world penetration tests often demonstrate that hiding the SSID gives a false sense of security while adding connection difficulties for legitimate users.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Disable SSID broadcast — Disabling SSID broadcast prevents the access point from including the network name in beacon frames, making the network less visible to casual scanning tools. However, it is not a security measure because the SSID is still transmitted in probe requests and responses, and can be easily discovered using packet capture tools like Wireshark or airodump-ng. It is considered a best practice only as a minor obscurity layer, not a replacement for strong encryption.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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.
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