hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
FC0-U71 Practice Question: A security analyst is reviewing user permissions…
A security analyst is reviewing user permissions and discovers that several users have been granted more privileges than necessary to perform their job functions. The analyst wants to apply the principle of least privilege. Which TWO actions should the analyst take? (Choose TWO.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse the principle of least privilege with just-in-time access (Option D) or think that removing all permissions (Option E) is a valid starting point, when in fact the correct approach is to first audit and then restructure permissions using RBAC.
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
✓
Audit current permissions to identify unnecessary privileges
Auditing current permissions (Option B) is the first step in applying least privilege because it identifies exactly which users have excessive rights. Creating RBAC groups (Option C) then allows the analyst to assign permissions based on job functions, ensuring users only have the access necessary to perform their roles. Together, these actions systematically reduce privilege levels without disrupting operations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Grant full administrative access to a single IT administrator
Why it's wrong here
This concentrates excessive privileges and violates least privilege.
- ✓
Audit current permissions to identify unnecessary privileges
Why this is correct
Auditing helps identify where excessive privileges exist, which is a necessary first step.
- ✓
Create role-based access control (RBAC) groups that match job functions
Why this is correct
RBAC aligns permissions with job roles, ensuring users have only the access needed.
- ✗
Allow users to request temporary elevation of privileges for specific tasks
Why it's wrong here
This is a separate control (just-in-time access) but does not directly implement least privilege; it can be part of an overall strategy but is not the primary action.
- ✗
Remove all permissions from users and add them back only when requested
Why it's wrong here
This approach is impractical and would disrupt work; it is not a recommended method.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 988 original FC0-U71 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This FC0-U71 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-U71 exam.