The correct answer is granting access to a specific database schema rather than the entire server, because the principle of least privilege dictates that users should receive only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks. By restricting a read-only user to SELECT on specific tables, you limit data exposure and prevent accidental or malicious changes, which is exactly how this concept is applied in database security. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this principle tests your understanding of access control fundamentals, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify the most restrictive yet functional permission set. A common trap is choosing broad permissions like “SELECT on all tables” or “db_owner,” which violate least privilege by granting excessive access. To remember this, think “need-to-know, not nice-to-know”—only grant the exact data and actions required for a user’s role.
FC0-U61 Database Fundamentals Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of database fundamentals. 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 database administrator is setting up user permissions. Which THREE actions follow the principle of least privilege?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Granting SELECT only on specific tables to a read-only user
Granting SELECT only on specific tables to a read-only user adheres to the principle of least privilege by limiting data access to exactly what the user needs to perform their job. This prevents unnecessary exposure of sensitive data and reduces the risk of accidental or malicious modification. In SQL databases, this is implemented via GRANT SELECT ON specific_table TO user, rather than granting broader permissions like SELECT on all tables or higher-level privileges.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Granting SELECT only on specific tables to a read-only user
Why this is correct
This restricts the user to only read necessary data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Revoking INSERT and DELETE from a user who only needs to view data
Why this is correct
Removing unneeded write permissions follows least privilege.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Allowing remote access from any IP address for flexibility
Why it's wrong here
Allowing any IP is too permissive; should be restricted to needed addresses.
✗
Granting DBA privileges to all developers for convenience
Why it's wrong here
DBA privileges exceed what developers need, violating least privilege.
✓
Granting access to a specific database schema rather than the entire server
Why this is correct
Limiting access to necessary schemas reduces risk.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'flexibility' (Option C) or 'convenience' (Option D) with good security practice, failing to recognize that least privilege requires minimizing access, not maximizing it.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The principle of least privilege is a core security concept that applies at multiple layers: database object permissions (e.g., table-level GRANTs), schema-level access, and network-level controls (e.g., firewall rules or bind-address restrictions). In practice, a read-only user might be granted SELECT on specific columns via a view to further limit exposure, and remote access should be restricted using host-based authentication (e.g., MySQL's user@'specific_ip' syntax) or VPNs. Over-granting privileges is a leading cause of data breaches in real-world scenarios, such as the 2017 Equifax breach where excessive database access contributed to the compromise.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Database Fundamentals — This question tests Database Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Granting SELECT only on specific tables to a read-only user — Granting SELECT only on specific tables to a read-only user adheres to the principle of least privilege by limiting data access to exactly what the user needs to perform their job. This prevents unnecessary exposure of sensitive data and reduces the risk of accidental or malicious modification. In SQL databases, this is implemented via GRANT SELECT ON specific_table TO user, rather than granting broader permissions like SELECT on all tables or higher-level privileges.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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