Quick Answer
The correct answer is to enforce a data classification and access control policy, because the principle of least privilege requires that a vendor receives only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their contracted duties. By classifying data according to sensitivity—such as public, internal, confidential, or restricted—and then mapping access controls to those classifications, an organization can ensure that a third-party vendor never touches customer data beyond what their specific role requires. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how access control policies operationalize least privilege, often appearing in audit or compliance questions where a vendor has excessive access. A common trap is confusing this with a service-level agreement (SLA), which defines performance metrics, not permissions, or with an incident response plan, which activates only after a breach. Remember the mnemonic “Classify to Clarify”: data classification clarifies exactly which data sets are off-limits, making least privilege enforceable rather than theoretical.
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of security policies and procedures. 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.
During a security audit, an analyst finds that a third-party vendor has access to sensitive customer data beyond what is necessary for their services. Which principle of least privilege should the policy enforce?
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.
Implement an incident response plan for data leaks
Why wrong: IR plan is reactive; least privilege is proactive.
Update the end-user license agreement
Why wrong: EULA is for end users, not access control.
Enforce a data classification and access control policy
This policy limits vendor access to only necessary data.
Invoke a service-level agreement
Why wrong: SLA covers uptime, not access rights.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Enforce a data classification and access control policy
The principle of least privilege means granting only the minimum rights needed. The policy should enforce a data classification and access control policy that restricts vendor access to only required data sets. Option C is correct. Option A (end-user license agreement) is between vendor and customer. Option B (SLA) defines service levels. Option D (incident response) is after-the-fact.
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.
Implement an incident response plan for data leaks
Why it's wrong here
IR plan is reactive; least privilege is proactive.
Update the end-user license agreement
Why it's wrong here
EULA is for end users, not access control.
Enforce a data classification and access control policy
Why this is correct
This policy limits vendor access to only necessary data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Invoke a service-level agreement
Why it's wrong here
SLA covers uptime, not access rights.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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 Policies and Procedures — This question tests Security Policies and Procedures — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Enforce a data classification and access control policy — The principle of least privilege means granting only the minimum rights needed. The policy should enforce a data classification and access control policy that restricts vendor access to only required data sets. Option C is correct. Option A (end-user license agreement) is between vendor and customer. Option B (SLA) defines service levels. Option D (incident response) is after-the-fact.
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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