- A
Systems are operational when needed
Why wrong: This describes availability.
- B
Data is accessible only to authorized users
Confidentiality prevents unauthorized access.
- C
Data is encrypted at rest
Why wrong: Encryption is a method to achieve confidentiality, but confidentiality itself is about preventing unauthorized access.
- D
Data is not modified without authorization
Why wrong: This describes integrity, not confidentiality.
Question 305 of 1,000
FC0-U61 Security Practice Question
This FC0-U61 practice question tests your understanding of security. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 of the following best describes the 'Confidentiality' component of the CIA triad?
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 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
✓
Data is accessible only to authorized users
Confidentiality ensures that data is not accessed by unauthorized individuals. Integrity protects data from unauthorized modification, and availability ensures data is accessible when needed.
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.
- ✗
Systems are operational when needed
Why it's wrong here
This describes availability.
- ✓
Data is accessible only to authorized users
Why this is correct
Confidentiality prevents unauthorized access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Data is encrypted at rest
Why it's wrong here
Encryption is a method to achieve confidentiality, but confidentiality itself is about preventing unauthorized access.
- ✗
Data is not modified without authorization
Why it's wrong here
This describes integrity, not confidentiality.
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.
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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: Data is accessible only to authorized users — Confidentiality ensures that data is not accessed by unauthorized individuals. Integrity protects data from unauthorized modification, and availability ensures data is accessible when needed.
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.
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?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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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.
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