Quick Answer
The answer is authentication, as biometrics like fingerprints or retina scans are a direct method of verifying a claimed identity. This principle, authentication, is the process of confirming that a user is who they say they are, and biometrics serve as a "something you are" factor in that verification. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish authentication from other core principles like non-repudiation, which prevents denial of actions, or integrity, which protects data accuracy. A common trap is confusing the method (biometrics) with the principle—remember, the method is just a tool for the principle. For a quick memory tip: think of the phrase "Bio = You, Auth = Verify," linking biometrics directly to the authentication principle.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A company requires employees to use biometric authentication to access the data center. This is an example of which security principle?
Authentication
Authentication verifies identity; biometrics is a method.
Availability
Why wrong: Availability ensures systems are accessible.
Integrity
Why wrong: Integrity ensures data accuracy.
Non-repudiation
Why wrong: Non-repudiation ensures actions cannot be denied, not identity verification.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Authentication
Correct: D - Authentication. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, and biometrics is one method. Option A is wrong because non-repudiation ensures actions cannot be denied, not identity verification. Option B is wrong because availability ensures systems are accessible. Option C is wrong because integrity ensures data accuracy.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Authentication
Why this is correct
Authentication verifies identity; biometrics is a method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability ensures systems are accessible.
Integrity
Why it's wrong here
Integrity ensures data accuracy.
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation ensures actions cannot be denied, not identity verification.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Authentication — Correct: D - Authentication. Authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user, and biometrics is one method. Option A is wrong because non-repudiation ensures actions cannot be denied, not identity verification. Option B is wrong because availability ensures systems are accessible. Option C is wrong because integrity ensures data accuracy.
Identify which CC exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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