ISC Systems Security Engineering Foundations Practice Question
You are performing an audit of a new system's 'Trusted Computing Base' (TCB). Which observation would indicate a violation of the 'Separation of Duties' principle?
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 same person who requests a system access change also approves it
Separation of Duties ensures that no single individual has the authority to perform all steps of a critical security task.
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 administrator configures the firewall rules
Why it's wrong here
This is a standard administrative duty.
- ✗
Two administrators are required for root access
Why it's wrong here
This is an implementation of dual control/separation of duties.
- ✓
The same person who requests a system access change also approves it
Why this is correct
This is a direct violation of separation of duties.
- ✗
The security team monitors logs
Why it's wrong here
This is a standard security duty.
About these practice questions
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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 ISC 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 ISC exam.