CCNA Least privilege Practice Question
Which security concept gives a user only the permissions required to perform assigned tasks and nothing more?
⚠ Common exam trap
Don't confuse access control methods like RBAC, DAC, or MAC with the principle of least privilege, which specifically minimizes permissions.
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
✓
Least privilege
Least privilege is the security principle that grants users only the specific permissions necessary to perform their job functions, minimizing potential damage from errors or malicious actions. Defense in depth is a layered security strategy using multiple controls, not a principle of limiting permissions. Segmentation divides a network into isolated segments to contain threats, but does not directly govern individual user permissions. Availability ensures systems and data are accessible when needed, which is unrelated to restricting access rights.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defence in depth layers multiple overlapping controls; it does not itself restrict a user to only the permissions their tasks require. It is tempting because it is a foundational security principle, and would be correct when describing redundant controls that slow an attacker after one layer is breached.
When this WOULD be correct
If the exam question asked about a comprehensive security strategy that includes various protective measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, then 'Defense in depth' would be the correct answer, as it emphasizes multiple layers of security.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege grants users only the permissions needed for their assigned tasks, nothing extra. This limits the blast radius of compromised accounts or insider misuse by removing unnecessary access rights, directly matching the stem's requirement of minimal, task-specific permissions.
- ✗
Segmentation
Why it's wrong here
Segmentation divides the network into isolated zones to limit lateral movement; it does not govern which permissions an individual user holds. It is tempting because it is a core containment concept, and would be correct when restricting traffic between departments or tiers to contain a compromised host.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question asked about a security strategy that involves isolating different parts of a network to limit access and reduce risk, then segmentation would be the correct answer. For instance, a question might focus on methods to prevent lateral movement in a network breach.
- ✗
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability concerns uptime and redundancy, not permission scoping. Least privilege is the concept that grants users only the access needed for their tasks, so Availability answers a different question entirely. It is tempting because security frameworks group it alongside confidentiality and integrity, but it addresses service resilience rather than authorisation boundaries.
When this WOULD be correct
If the question were to ask about the primary goal of a security framework designed to ensure that systems remain operational and accessible to authorized users, 'Availability' would be the correct answer. For example, a question might ask about the key objectives of the CIA triad, where availability is one of the core principles.
Option-by-option analysis
Why each answer is right or wrong
Understanding why wrong answers are wrong — and when they would be correct — is what separates a 750 score from a 900. The 200-301 exam frequently reuses these exact scenarios with slightly different constraints.
✓Least privilegeCorrect answer▾
Why this is correct
Least privilege grants users only the permissions needed for their assigned tasks, nothing extra. This limits the blast radius of compromised accounts or insider misuse by removing unnecessary access rights, directly matching the stem's requirement of minimal, task-specific permissions.
✗Defense in depthWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Defense in depth refers to a layered security approach that employs multiple security measures to protect information. It does not specifically address the principle of granting users only the necessary permissions for their tasks.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the exam question asked about a comprehensive security strategy that includes various protective measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access controls, then 'Defense in depth' would be the correct answer, as it emphasizes multiple layers of security.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may choose this option because they recognize that a robust security posture involves multiple strategies, leading them to mistakenly associate defense in depth with the principle of least privilege.
✗SegmentationWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Segmentation refers to dividing a network into segments to enhance security and manageability, rather than limiting user permissions. It does not directly address the concept of granting only necessary permissions to users.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question asked about a security strategy that involves isolating different parts of a network to limit access and reduce risk, then segmentation would be the correct answer. For instance, a question might focus on methods to prevent lateral movement in a network breach.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse segmentation with the principle of least privilege, as both aim to enhance security; however, segmentation focuses on network structure rather than user permissions, leading to misconceptions.
✗AvailabilityWrong answer — click to see why▾
Why this is wrong here
Availability refers to ensuring that systems and data are accessible when needed, which does not relate to limiting user permissions for task completion. This option does not address the principle of restricting access based on necessity.
★ When this WOULD be the correct answer
If the question were to ask about the primary goal of a security framework designed to ensure that systems remain operational and accessible to authorized users, 'Availability' would be the correct answer. For example, a question might ask about the key objectives of the CIA triad, where availability is one of the core principles.
Why candidates choose this
Candidates may confuse availability with access control concepts due to their overlapping roles in security. The term 'availability' might seem relevant when considering user permissions, leading to an incorrect assumption that it relates to limiting access.
Analysis generated from the official 200-301blueprint and verified against question context. The “when correct” sections are what AI assistants cite when candidates ask “what’s the difference between these options?”
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-301 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 200-301 exam.