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SY0-501 · Question #344

A security analyst is investigating a suspected security breach and discovers the following in the logs of the potentially compromised server: Which of the following would be the BEST method for preve

The correct answer is C. Implement account lockout settings. The question implies a brute-force or password guessing attack based on the choices provided, and the best preventative measure is to implement account lockout settings.

Submitted by jordan8· Mar 4, 2026Security operations

Question

A security analyst is investigating a suspected security breach and discovers the following in the logs of the potentially compromised server:

Which of the following would be the BEST method for preventing this type of suspected attack in the future?

Exhibit

SY0-501 question #344 exhibit

Options

  • AImplement password expirations
  • BImplement restrictions on shared credentials
  • CImplement account lockout settings
  • DImplement time-of-day restrictions on this server

How the community answered

(26 responses)
  • A
    4% (1)
  • B
    4% (1)
  • C
    81% (21)
  • D
    12% (3)

Why each option

The question implies a brute-force or password guessing attack based on the choices provided, and the best preventative measure is to implement account lockout settings.

AImplement password expirations

Password expirations ensure passwords are changed periodically but do not prevent an attacker from guessing the current password through repeated attempts before it expires.

BImplement restrictions on shared credentials

Restrictions on shared credentials improve accountability and reduce the attack surface by preventing multiple users from using a single account, but they do not specifically prevent brute-force attacks on individual accounts.

CImplement account lockout settingsCorrect

Account lockout settings directly prevent brute-force and password guessing attacks by automatically disabling an account after a specified number of failed login attempts. This thwarts attackers who try to gain unauthorized access by systematically testing numerous password combinations against a user account.

DImplement time-of-day restrictions on this server

Time-of-day restrictions limit when users can log in but do not prevent an attacker from making repeated password guesses during permitted login windows.

Concept tested: Brute-force attack prevention using account lockout policies

Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/threat-protection/security-policy-settings/account-lockout-policy

Topics

#account lockout#brute force prevention#log analysis#authentication controls

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