- A
Least privilege
Why wrong: This option is incorrect because the scenario does not describe minimizing user permissions; it focuses on layering different types of controls. Least privilege is about granting only the minimum necessary access rights, which is not the primary principle demonstrated here.
- B
Defense in depth
This is correct. Defense in depth uses multiple independent layers of security controls (firewall, encryption, MFA, monitoring) so that if one layer fails, others still provide protection. The architect's strategy clearly exemplifies this principle.
- C
Separation of duties
Why wrong: This option is incorrect because separation of duties involves dividing critical tasks among multiple individuals to prevent fraud or error. The scenario does not mention any division of administrative responsibilities; it is about technical controls.
- D
Fail safe
Why wrong: This option is incorrect because fail safe refers to a system defaulting to a secure state when a failure occurs (e.g., a door locking on power loss). The architect's approach does not specifically address failure modes but instead builds layered defenses.
SY0-701 General Security Concepts Practice Question
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of general security concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A security architect is designing a defense strategy for a database containing sensitive customer records. The architect implements a network firewall to restrict inbound traffic to only the application server, enforces file-level encryption for the database files, requires multi-factor authentication for all administrative access, and deploys a database activity monitoring system to alert on unusual queries. Which security principle is the architect primarily applying?
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
Defense in depth
The architect is applying defense in depth by layering multiple independent security controls: a network firewall, file-level encryption, multi-factor authentication, and database activity monitoring. This strategy ensures that if one control fails, others still provide protection, which is the core principle of defense in depth. Each layer addresses a different attack vector, making it significantly harder for an attacker to compromise the database.
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.
- ✗
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because the scenario does not describe minimizing user permissions; it focuses on layering different types of controls. Least privilege is about granting only the minimum necessary access rights, which is not the primary principle demonstrated here.
- ✓
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
This is correct. Defense in depth uses multiple independent layers of security controls (firewall, encryption, MFA, monitoring) so that if one layer fails, others still provide protection. The architect's strategy clearly exemplifies this principle.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because separation of duties involves dividing critical tasks among multiple individuals to prevent fraud or error. The scenario does not mention any division of administrative responsibilities; it is about technical controls.
- ✗
Fail safe
Why it's wrong here
This option is incorrect because fail safe refers to a system defaulting to a secure state when a failure occurs (e.g., a door locking on power loss). The architect's approach does not specifically address failure modes but instead builds layered defenses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse defense in depth with least privilege because both involve multiple controls, but defense in depth is about layering different types of controls, not just restricting permissions.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
This option is incorrect because the scenario does not describe minimizing user permissions; it focuses on layering different types of controls. Least privilege is about granting only the minimum necessary access rights, which is not the primary principle demonstrated here.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Defense in depth, also known as layered security, relies on the principle that no single control is foolproof. For example, a network firewall (e.g., iptables or AWS Security Groups) blocks external access, but file-level encryption (e.g., AES-256 for database files at rest) protects against physical theft of storage media. Database activity monitoring (e.g., using SQL audit logs or tools like GuardDuty) detects anomalous queries that bypass application-layer controls, such as a SQL injection attempt that evades the firewall.
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 developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SY0-701 question test?
General Security Concepts — This question tests General Security Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Defense in depth — The architect is applying defense in depth by layering multiple independent security controls: a network firewall, file-level encryption, multi-factor authentication, and database activity monitoring. This strategy ensures that if one control fails, others still provide protection, which is the core principle of defense in depth. Each layer addresses a different attack vector, making it significantly harder for an attacker to compromise the database.
What should I do if I get this SY0-701 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This SY0-701 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 SY0-701 exam.
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