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200-201 Practice Question: During an incident, the analyst finds that an…
During an incident, the analyst finds that an attacker modified system files. Which security principle was primarily violated?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between integrity and availability by presenting a scenario where an attacker modifies files (integrity) rather than deleting them or causing a denial of service (availability), leading candidates to mistakenly choose availability.
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
✓
Integrity
Integrity ensures that data and system files are not altered by unauthorized entities. When an attacker modifies system files, the trustworthiness and accuracy of those files are compromised, directly violating the integrity principle. This is distinct from confidentiality (unauthorized disclosure) or availability (denial of service).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality restricts data access to authorised parties and is breached by unauthorised disclosure, such as exfiltration or snooping. The attacker altered file contents rather than reading them, which violates integrity. Confidentiality would apply if the attacker had merely viewed or copied sensitive files.
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Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability ensures systems and data remain accessible to authorised users; it is violated by denial-of-service, outages or ransomware. Modifying system files corrupts their content, which is an integrity breach. Availability would be the answer if the files had been deleted or encrypted to disrupt service.
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Integrity
Why this is correct
Modifying system files alters their contents without authorisation, violating integrity, which ensures data remains accurate and unaltered. Confidentiality concerns disclosure and availability concerns access, so integrity is the principle primarily breached by the attacker's file modifications.
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Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation proves an action occurred and cannot be denied, typically via digital signatures and audit trails. File modification attacks integrity, not the binding of a party to an action. Non-repudiation would be the principle at issue if an attacker denied sending a signed transaction.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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