- A
Implement multi-factor authentication on the existing VPN and enforce stricter password policies.
Why wrong: MFA improves authentication but still grants full network access once authenticated, not meeting the requirement for granular application access.
- B
Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) that uses an identity-aware proxy and micro-segmentation.
ZTA provides identity and device verification, least privilege access to specific applications, and network segmentation regardless of location.
- C
Create separate VLANs for each department and restrict inter-VLAN routing with ACLs.
Why wrong: VLAN segmentation helps but does not incorporate identity or device posture, and remote users still get full VLAN access via VPN.
- D
Apply the principle of least privilege by reducing user permissions on the network and servers.
Why wrong: Least privilege is necessary but not sufficient; without a Zero Trust architecture, remote users may still have broad network access.
Quick Answer
The answer is adopting a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) that uses an identity-aware proxy and micro-segmentation. This approach directly addresses the core failure of the compromised VPN by ensuring that even if an account is taken over, the attacker cannot roam the network; instead, access is limited to specific applications based on continuous verification of user identity and device posture, while micro-segmentation enforces network isolation regardless of whether the user is remote or on-site. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this question tests your understanding of how Zero Trust principles—specifically least privilege, continuous verification, and micro-segmentation—solve the inherent risk of VPNs that grant broad network access. A common trap is choosing “VPN with MFA,” which still allows lateral movement after authentication, or “network segmentation” alone, which ignores identity checks. Remember the memory tip: “Zero Trust says ‘never trust, always verify’—VPNs trust once, ZTA verifies every request.”
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 mid-sized financial services company has recently experienced a security incident where an attacker gained access to the internal network through a compromised VPN account. The account belonged to a remote employee who had been granted full network access. The company's security team is now reviewing their security principles to prevent a recurrence. The company has 500 employees, with 50 remote workers. They use a traditional perimeter-based firewall and VPN for remote access. The incident revealed that the compromised account had access to the entire internal network, including sensitive financial databases. The security team is considering implementing a new access control model. They have identified the following requirements: (1) Remote workers should only access specific applications necessary for their roles, (2) Access should be granted based on identity and device posture, (3) Network segmentation should be enforced regardless of location. Which of the following approaches BEST addresses these requirements?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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
Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) that uses an identity-aware proxy and micro-segmentation.
Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) aligns with all three requirements: it verifies identity and device posture, grants least privilege access to specific applications, and enforces micro-segmentation regardless of location. VPN with MFA (A) still grants broad network access. Network segmentation (B) alone does not incorporate identity or device posture. Least privilege (D) is a principle, not an architecture; implementing it without ZTA may not provide the granular control needed.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Implement multi-factor authentication on the existing VPN and enforce stricter password policies.
Why it's wrong here
MFA improves authentication but still grants full network access once authenticated, not meeting the requirement for granular application access.
- ✓
Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) that uses an identity-aware proxy and micro-segmentation.
Why this is correct
ZTA provides identity and device verification, least privilege access to specific applications, and network segmentation regardless of location.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Create separate VLANs for each department and restrict inter-VLAN routing with ACLs.
- ✗
Apply the principle of least privilege by reducing user permissions on the network and servers.
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege is necessary but not sufficient; without a Zero Trust architecture, remote users may still have broad network access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CC question test?
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Adopt a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) that uses an identity-aware proxy and micro-segmentation. — Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) aligns with all three requirements: it verifies identity and device posture, grants least privilege access to specific applications, and enforces micro-segmentation regardless of location. VPN with MFA (A) still grants broad network access. Network segmentation (B) alone does not incorporate identity or device posture. Least privilege (D) is a principle, not an architecture; implementing it without ZTA may not provide the granular control needed.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 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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