Quick Answer
The correct answer is to grant only the minimum required permissions. This is the core of the principle of least privilege in network security, which dictates that any user, process, or system should be given the absolute minimum access rights necessary to perform their specific job function. Granting full access or temporary admin rights would introduce unnecessary risk, while denying access outright is too restrictive and fails to meet the operational need. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control models and risk mitigation strategies; it often appears in scenario-based questions where you must choose the most secure yet functional option. A common trap is confusing "least privilege" with "no access" or assuming temporary elevated rights are acceptable. Remember the memory tip: "Just enough, not all the keys"—think of giving a valet only the car key, not the house key.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A system administrator needs to grant access to a database for a new employee. According to the principle of least privilege, what should be done?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Grant only the minimum required permissions
Least privilege means granting the minimum necessary to do the job.
Grant temporary admin access
Why wrong: Admin access is too broad, even temporarily.
Grant no access until manager approves
Why wrong: This is about approval, not least privilege.
Grant full access and remove later
Why wrong: This violates least privilege due to excessive initial access.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Grant only the minimum required permissions
Option B (Grant only the minimum required permissions) is correct. Option A (Grant full access) violates least privilege. Option C (Deny access until approval) is too restrictive and not a direct application of least privilege. Option D (Grant temporary admin access) is excessive.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Grant only the minimum required permissions
Why this is correct
Least privilege means granting the minimum necessary to do the job.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Grant temporary admin access
Why it's wrong here
Admin access is too broad, even temporarily.
Grant no access until manager approves
Why it's wrong here
This is about approval, not least privilege.
Grant full access and remove later
Why it's wrong here
This violates least privilege due to excessive initial access.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Security Concepts — This question tests Security Concepts — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Grant only the minimum required permissions — Option B (Grant only the minimum required permissions) is correct. Option A (Grant full access) violates least privilege. Option C (Deny access until approval) is too restrictive and not a direct application of least privilege. Option D (Grant temporary admin access) is excessive.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 200-201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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