FC0-U71 Security Practice Question
An organization uses a security model where users are granted the minimum permissions necessary to perform their job functions. This model is known as:
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap is that RBAC is a common distractor because it is the usual implementation vehicle for least privilege, but the question asks for the principle itself, not the access control model.
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
✓
Principle of least privilege
The principle of least privilege (PoLP) states that users, processes, and systems should be granted only the minimum access rights required to perform their legitimate functions, and only for the duration needed. The scenario's wording — 'minimum permissions necessary to perform their job functions' — is the textbook definition of PoLP. It is a foundational security principle (codified in NIST SP 800-53 AC-6) rather than an access control model per se, though it is often implemented through RBAC.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Role-based access control
Why it's wrong here
Role-based access control assigns permissions to job roles, not the minimum necessary per user; least privilege is the model described. RBAC is tempting because it is the usual mechanism for administering access at scale, and it would be correct if the question asked how permissions are grouped rather than how they are limited.
- ✓
Principle of least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege directly enforces the stem's minimum-permissions constraint: each user receives only the access their job function requires, nothing more. This limits blast radius from compromised accounts or insider misuse, since excess entitlements are never granted in the first place.
- ✗
Mandatory access control
Why it's wrong here
Mandatory access control enforces system-wide labels and clearances that users cannot alter, independent of job function; least privilege concerns granting only the permissions a role needs. It is tempting because MAC is highly restrictive, and it would be correct in environments demanding classification-based, administrator-controlled access.
- ✗
Discretionary access control
Why it's wrong here
Discretionary access control lets resource owners set permissions at their own discretion, so it cannot enforce organisation-wide least privilege. It is tempting because it governs day-to-day file sharing, and would be correct where owners must control access to their own objects without central policy.
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
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.