FC0-U71 Security Practice Question
Which of the following best describes the principle of least privilege?
⚠ Common exam trap
FC0-U71 often tests the confusion between authentication controls (MFA, password rotation) and authorization principles (least privilege), so candidates pick C or D because they 'sound secure' without matching the definition asked.
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
✓
Users should have the minimum permissions needed to do their job
The principle of least privilege (PoLP) states that a user, process, or system should be granted only the minimum access rights necessary to perform its legitimate function, and nothing more. Option B captures this exactly: minimum permissions needed to do the job. This limits the blast radius of compromised accounts, insider misuse, and accidental misconfiguration, and is a foundational control in frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 AC-6 and CIS Controls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Users should have all permissions by default
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege grants only the minimum access needed for a task, so defaulting users to all permissions inverts the principle entirely. It is tempting because some legacy systems ship with broad defaults, but those defaults are the anti-pattern least privilege exists to eliminate.
- ✓
Users should have the minimum permissions needed to do their job
Why this is correct
Least privilege restricts each account to only the permissions its job function demands, nothing more. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement by minimising the attack surface and limiting blast radius if credentials are compromised, since no user holds rights beyond their operational needs.
- ✗
Users should use multi-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
Multi-factor authentication strengthens identity verification but does not govern the scope of permissions granted after login. Least privilege concerns authorisation breadth, not authentication strength. It is tempting because MFA is a core access control, yet a fully authenticated user can still hold excessive rights.
- ✗
Users should change passwords every 30 days
Why it's wrong here
This relates to password policy, not permissions.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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.