hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
CISA Single Sign-On (SSO) Practice Question
Which THREE are core components of a comprehensive identity and access management (IAM) system? (Choose three.)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISACA often tests the distinction between infrastructure security tools (VPN, DLP) and core IAM functions (authentication, authorization, administration). The trap is confusing network-level or data-level controls with identity-centric components that directly manage user access rights and authentication workflows.
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
✓
Single sign-on (SSO) for simplified authentication.
The core components of an IAM system focus on managing digital identities and controlling access to resources. Single sign-on (SSO) simplifies authentication by allowing users to log in once and access multiple applications. Privileged access management (PAM) secures administrative accounts with elevated privileges. Role-based access control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on job roles, ensuring users have only necessary access. VPN and DLP are security controls but are not core IAM components; VPN provides network access, and DLP prevents data loss, neither directly manages identities or access rights.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Virtual private network (VPN) for remote network access.
Why it's wrong here
Virtual private network (VPN) provides secure remote network access but is not a core IAM component; it is a network security control.
- ✗
Data loss prevention (DLP) to prevent data exfiltration.
Why it's wrong here
Data loss prevention (DLP) prevents unauthorized data exfiltration but is not a core IAM component; it is a data security control.
- ✓
Single sign-on (SSO) for simplified authentication.
Why this is correct
Single sign-on (SSO) centralizes authentication and is a core IAM component.
- ✓
Privileged access management (PAM) for managing administrative accounts.
Why this is correct
Privileged access management (PAM) manages and audits administrative accounts, making it a core IAM component.
- ✓
Role-based access control (RBAC) for assigning permissions based on job roles.
Why this is correct
Role-based access control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on job roles, making it a core IAM component.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 995 original CISA practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.