- A
To identify inactive user accounts
Why wrong: While recertification may reveal inactive accounts, the primary purpose is to validate appropriateness of access.
- B
To verify that users' access rights remain appropriate for their roles
This is the core objective of access recertification.
- C
To ensure compliance with password policies
Why wrong: Password compliance is a separate control.
- D
To enforce segregation of duties
Why wrong: Segregation of duties is a design principle, not the purpose of recertification.
Question 236 of 984
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. 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.
An IS auditor is reviewing an organization's logical access control processes. Which of the following is the primary purpose of conducting regular user access recertifications?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
✓
To verify that users' access rights remain appropriate for their roles
User access recertifications confirm that current access rights are still appropriate for users' job functions and that no excessive privileges exist. This ensures the principle of least privilege.
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.
- ✗
To identify inactive user accounts
Why it's wrong here
While recertification may reveal inactive accounts, the primary purpose is to validate appropriateness of access.
- ✓
To verify that users' access rights remain appropriate for their roles
Why this is correct
This is the core objective of access recertification.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
To ensure compliance with password policies
Why it's wrong here
Password compliance is a separate control.
- ✗
To enforce segregation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Segregation of duties is a design principle, not the purpose of recertification.
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 CISA questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Protection of Information Assets — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISA question test?
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: To verify that users' access rights remain appropriate for their roles — User access recertifications confirm that current access rights are still appropriate for users' job functions and that no excessive privileges exist. This ensures the principle of least privilege.
What should I do if I get this CISA 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 CISA questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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