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ISC2 CC Practice Question: A company implements role-based access control…
A company implements role-based access control (RBAC) to ensure users have only the permissions necessary for their job roles. This is an example of:
⚠ Common exam trap
CC often tests the confusion between least privilege (minimum permissions) and need-to-know (minimum information), which sound similar but apply to different domains.
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
✓
Least privilege
RBAC grants users only the permissions required for their job roles, which is the definition of least privilege — the principle that subjects should have the minimum access necessary to perform their function.
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 this is correct
RBAC enforces least privilege by granting only the permissions each job role requires, directly satisfying the stem's constraint that users hold solely the access necessary for their duties. Unlike broader models such as discretionary access control, it scopes entitlements to role definitions rather than individual discretion, minimising standing privileges.
- ✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth layers multiple independent controls so one failure does not expose the system; RBAC alone assigns permissions by job role. It is tempting because RBAC often forms one layer within a defence-in-depth strategy, but the stem describes permission scoping, not layered controls.
- ✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties splits a critical task across multiple people so no single user completes it alone; RBAC restricts each role's permissions instead. It is tempting because both are access-control principles, and separation of duties is correct when one person must not both request and approve an action.
- ✗
Need-to-know
Why it's wrong here
Need-to-know restricts access to specific data based on its sensitivity, whereas RBAC grants permissions according to job role regardless of individual data items. It is tempting because both limit access, and need-to-know is correct when clearance to particular classified information, not role, governs access.
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
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
RBAC
RBAC is a method of restricting network access based on the roles of individual users within an organization, where permissions are assigned to roles rather than to individuals directly.
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.