The correct answer is unauthorized disclosure, as encryption directly addresses the threat of unauthorized disclosure by converting readable data into an unreadable format that only authorized parties with the correct decryption key can access. This control is specifically designed to protect the confidentiality of sensitive information, ensuring that even if data is intercepted in transit or accessed from storage without permission, it remains unintelligible. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of the CIA triad, where encryption is the primary safeguard for confidentiality, not availability, integrity, or non-repudiation. A common trap is confusing encryption’s secondary benefit to integrity with its primary purpose, so remember: encryption locks the door to keep secrets safe. For a quick memory tip, think “Encryption Equals Confidentiality” to link the control directly to preventing unauthorized disclosure.
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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's security policy states that all sensitive data must be encrypted both at rest and in transit. Which threat model does this control primarily address?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unauthorized disclosure
Encryption at rest and in transit primarily protects confidentiality against unauthorized access. Option B is correct. Option A (availability) is about uptime. Option C (integrity) is about accuracy, though encryption can help, but primary is confidentiality. Option D (non-repudiation) is about proof of origin.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Data tampering
Why it's wrong here
While encryption can hinder tampering, it is not the primary control; integrity checks like hashing are more direct.
✓
Unauthorized disclosure
Why this is correct
Encryption prevents unauthorized parties from reading the data, thus preventing disclosure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Denial of service
Why it's wrong here
Denial of service attacks target availability, not confidentiality.
✗
Repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Repudiation is addressed by non-repudiation mechanisms like digital signatures.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
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.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Unauthorized disclosure — Encryption at rest and in transit primarily protects confidentiality against unauthorized access. Option B is correct. Option A (availability) is about uptime. Option C (integrity) is about accuracy, though encryption can help, but primary is confidentiality. Option D (non-repudiation) is about proof of origin.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company uses encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. This primarily addresses which aspect of the CIA triad?
easy
A.Integrity
B.Authentication
✓ C.Confidentiality
D.Availability
Why C: Encryption prevents unauthorized access to data, thereby maintaining confidentiality. While encryption can support integrity, its primary role in this context is confidentiality.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.