- A
Non-repudiation
Why wrong: Non-repudiation ensures that actions cannot be denied; it is not part of the CIA triad.
- B
Integrity
Integrity is compromised when data is altered without authorization.
- C
Availability
Why wrong: Availability relates to systems being accessible when needed.
- D
Confidentiality
Why wrong: Confidentiality is about unauthorized disclosure, not modification.
Question 88 of 1,000
FC0-U61 Security Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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 discovers that a file on a server has been modified without authorization. Which element of the CIA triad has been compromised?
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
✓
Integrity
Integrity ensures that data is not altered unexpectedly. Unauthorized modification violates integrity.
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.
- ✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation ensures that actions cannot be denied; it is not part of the CIA triad.
- ✓
Integrity
Why this is correct
Integrity is compromised when data is altered without authorization.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability relates to systems being accessible when needed.
- ✗
Confidentiality
Why it's wrong here
Confidentiality is about unauthorized disclosure, not modification.
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 FC0-U61 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
- →
Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All FC0-U61 questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
FC0-U61 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related FC0-U61 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
IT Concepts and Terminology practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to IT Concepts and Terminology.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Infrastructure.
Applications and Software practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Applications and Software.
Software Development practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Software Development.
Database Fundamentals practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Database Fundamentals.
Security practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Security.
Software Development Concepts practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to Software Development Concepts.
FC0-U61 fundamentals practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 fundamentals.
FC0-U61 scenario practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 scenario.
FC0-U61 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise FC0-U61 questions linked to FC0-U61 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free FC0-U61 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this FC0-U61 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Integrity — Integrity ensures that data is not altered unexpectedly. Unauthorized modification violates integrity.
What should I do if I get this FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This FC0-U61 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 FC0-U61 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.