CSSLP Secure Software Concepts Practice Question
You are applying the Bell-LaPadula model to a secure software system. A user with 'Secret' clearance attempts to write data to a 'Top Secret' file. Based on the *-property, what is the outcome?
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
✓
The write is denied because the *-property prohibits writing to a higher security level.
The *-property (star-property) of Bell-LaPadula prevents 'write-down', meaning a subject cannot write to a lower level, but also enforces no-read-up/no-write-down rules.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The write is denied because the *-property prohibits writing to a higher security level.
Why this is correct
The *-property prevents a user from writing to a higher level to prevent information flow leakage.
- ✗
The write is permitted.
Why it's wrong here
Writing to a higher level is a 'write-up' which is allowed by the simple security property but restricted by the *-property in specific implementations.
- ✗
The write is denied due to the no-write-down rule.
Why it's wrong here
The user is writing up, not down.
- ✗
The system allows the write only if encryption is used.
Why it's wrong here
Bell-LaPadula is a formal model not dependent on specific encryption implementations.
About these practice questions
This CSSLP question is part of Courseiva's 198-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official (ISC)² exam blueprint
This CSSLP practice question is part of Courseiva's free (ISC)² 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 CSSLP exam.