- A
Principle of least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege is about granting only necessary access rights, not about keeping passwords secret. The sticky note issue is about confidentiality, not authorization levels.
- B
Account lockout policy
Why wrong: Account lockout policies prevent brute-force attacks after multiple failed attempts. They do not address the physical exposure of passwords.
- C
Password confidentiality
Password confidentiality requires that passwords be known only to the authorized user. Writing them on sticky notes compromises this by making them visible to others.
- D
Multi-factor authentication
Why wrong: MFA adds an extra layer of security, but the core issue here is that passwords are being exposed, which would still be a problem even with MFA.
Quick Answer
The answer is password confidentiality, as the core security principle being violated when employees write passwords on sticky notes attached to monitors. Password confidentiality requires that credentials remain secret and known only to the authorized user; placing them in plain sight on a desk or screen directly undermines this by making them easily observable to anyone passing by, including unauthorized personnel, visitors, or even cleaning staff. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your grasp of fundamental security best practices, often appearing in questions about social engineering or physical security controls. A common trap is confusing confidentiality with integrity or availability, but remember that confidentiality is about keeping information hidden from unauthorized eyes. For a quick memory tip, think of the three letters CIA: Confidentiality is the “C” that gets broken the moment a password leaves your head and lands on a sticky note.
220-1102 Logical Security Concepts Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of logical 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.
During a security audit, an administrator discovers that several employees have written their domain passwords on sticky notes attached to their monitors. The company policy requires strong passwords and prohibits sharing credentials. Which security principle is being violated?
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
Password confidentiality
Password confidentiality is a core security principle; passwords must be kept secret and not be easily observable. Writing passwords on sticky notes directly violates this by making them visible to anyone nearby. This question tests the understanding of password security best practices and the concept of confidentiality.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Principle of least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege is about granting only necessary access rights, not about keeping passwords secret. The sticky note issue is about confidentiality, not authorization levels.
- ✗
Account lockout policy
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout policies prevent brute-force attacks after multiple failed attempts. They do not address the physical exposure of passwords.
- ✓
Password confidentiality
Why this is correct
Password confidentiality requires that passwords be known only to the authorized user. Writing them on sticky notes compromises this by making them visible to others.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Multi-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
MFA adds an extra layer of security, but the core issue here is that passwords are being exposed, which would still be a problem even with MFA.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Logical Security Concepts — study guide chapter
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Logical Security Concepts practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Logical Security Concepts — This question tests Logical Security Concepts — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Password confidentiality — Password confidentiality is a core security principle; passwords must be kept secret and not be easily observable. Writing passwords on sticky notes directly violates this by making them visible to anyone nearby. This question tests the understanding of password security best practices and the concept of confidentiality.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 220-1202 exam.
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