The answer is implementing least privilege access, which is a core database security best practice because it restricts user permissions to only the minimum necessary to perform their job functions, thereby reducing the attack surface and limiting potential damage from compromised accounts. This principle directly supports the broader goal of protecting your data by ensuring that even if an attacker gains access to a low-level account, they cannot escalate privileges to modify or exfiltrate sensitive information. On the CompTIA ITF+ FC0-U61 exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control models and often appears alongside common traps like confusing least privilege with encryption or password policies—remember that while strong passwords are vital, they are a separate control for authentication, not authorization. A useful memory tip is to think of the "need-to-know" principle: if a user doesn't need it to do their job, they shouldn't have it.
FC0-U61 Database Fundamentals Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of database fundamentals. 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.
Which THREE of the following are best practices for database security?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use strong, complex passwords
Using strong, complex passwords is a fundamental security practice that reduces the risk of brute-force or dictionary attacks against database authentication. Passwords should meet length and complexity requirements (e.g., at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and special characters) and be stored using salted, cryptographically strong hashes like bcrypt or PBKDF2. This prevents unauthorized access even if the password hash is compromised.
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.
✓
Use strong, complex passwords
Why this is correct
Strong passwords resist brute-force attacks.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Grant all database privileges to all users
Why it's wrong here
This violates the principle of least privilege and increases risk.
✗
Disable audit logs to save storage
Why it's wrong here
Audit logs are crucial for detecting unauthorized access.
✓
Encrypt sensitive data at rest
Why this is correct
Encryption protects data if the database files are compromised.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Implement least privilege access
Why this is correct
Users should only have permissions necessary for their role.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" 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
CompTIA often tests the misconception that disabling security features like audit logs is acceptable for performance or storage savings, when in fact it eliminates critical accountability and detection capabilities required for secure database operations.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Database encryption at rest (Option D) typically uses Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) or filesystem-level encryption (e.g., LUKS, BitLocker) to protect data files from being read if the storage media is stolen. Least privilege access (Option E) is implemented via role-based access control (RBAC) and granular permissions (e.g., SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE on specific tables), often enforced through database views or stored procedures to limit direct table access. In practice, combining these with strong authentication creates a defense-in-depth strategy against both external attackers and insider threats.
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: Use strong, complex passwords — Using strong, complex passwords is a fundamental security practice that reduces the risk of brute-force or dictionary attacks against database authentication. Passwords should meet length and complexity requirements (e.g., at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and special characters) and be stored using salted, cryptographically strong hashes like bcrypt or PBKDF2. This prevents unauthorized access even if the password hash is compromised.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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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