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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Designing a new authentication system for remote…
A company is designing a new authentication system for remote employees. They want to ensure that if one authentication factor is compromised, the system remains secure. Which security principle should they apply?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between defense in depth and fail-safe, where candidates mistakenly choose fail-safe because they think it means 'safe if one factor fails,' but fail-safe is about system failure modes, not layered authentication.
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
✓
Defense in depth
Defense in depth is the correct principle because it involves implementing multiple layers of security controls so that if one authentication factor is compromised, other layers still protect the system. In this scenario, requiring multiple authentication factors (e.g., password plus biometric or token) ensures that a single compromised factor does not grant full access, maintaining overall system security.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Fail-safe
Why it's wrong here
Fail-safe ensures system remains safe on failure, not layered defense.
- ✗
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege limits access, not authentication layers.
- ✗
Need to know
Why it's wrong here
Need to know restricts information, not authentication.
- ✓
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Correct. Multiple authentication factors provide layered security.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Multifactor Authentication
Multifactor Authentication (MFA) is a security method that requires you to provide two or more pieces of evidence to prove your identity before accessing an account or system.
Key term
Defense in depth
Defense in depth is a cybersecurity strategy that uses multiple layers of security controls to protect information and systems, so if one layer fails, another layer is already in place to stop the attack.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.