- A
Number of failed login attempts in the last 24 hours
Why wrong: While useful for security monitoring, it is not a direct access control compliance metric.
- B
Number of critical vulnerabilities in network devices
Why wrong: This relates to vulnerability management, not access control.
- C
Number of active user accounts with privileged access
Correct. Tracking privileged accounts is important for access control.
- D
Percentage of accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days
Correct. Inactive accounts should be disabled; this metric helps monitor that.
- E
Percentage of accounts that have undergone access review in the last quarter
Correct. PCI DSS requires quarterly access reviews.
Question 707 of 1,000
CS0-003 Reporting and Communication Practice Question
This CS0-003 practice question tests your understanding of reporting and communication. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 security analyst is creating a compliance dashboard for a PCI DSS audit. Which THREE metrics should be included to demonstrate compliance with access control requirements? (Select THREE.)
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
✓
Number of active user accounts with privileged access
PCI DSS requires strict access controls, including unique IDs, timely deactivation, and periodic reviews. Failed login attempts and vulnerability scan results are not direct access control metrics.
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.
- ✗
Number of failed login attempts in the last 24 hours
Why it's wrong here
While useful for security monitoring, it is not a direct access control compliance metric.
- ✗
Number of critical vulnerabilities in network devices
Why it's wrong here
This relates to vulnerability management, not access control.
- ✓
Number of active user accounts with privileged access
Why this is correct
Correct. Tracking privileged accounts is important for access control.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Percentage of accounts that have been inactive for more than 90 days
Why this is correct
Correct. Inactive accounts should be disabled; this metric helps monitor that.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
Percentage of accounts that have undergone access review in the last quarter
Why this is correct
Correct. PCI DSS requires quarterly access reviews.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
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 CS0-003 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Reporting and Communication — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Reporting and Communication practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CS0-003 question test?
Reporting and Communication — This question tests Reporting and Communication — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Number of active user accounts with privileged access — PCI DSS requires strict access controls, including unique IDs, timely deactivation, and periodic reviews. Failed login attempts and vulnerability scan results are not direct access control metrics.
What should I do if I get this CS0-003 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 CS0-003 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: Jul 4, 2026
This CS0-003 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 CS0-003 exam.
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