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 security administrator needs to ensure that a user cannot view the contents of a file but can execute it. Which access control principle should be applied?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Apply least privilege
Least privilege grants only the permissions necessary to perform a task. The user only needs execute, not read. Option C is correct because it restricts access to the minimum required. Option A (need-to-know) limits access to sensitive info but not execution. Option B (separation of duties) divides tasks among different people. Option D (defense in depth) uses multiple layers of security.
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.
✗
Enforce separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties prevents fraud by dividing tasks, not limiting permissions for a single user.
✓
Apply least privilege
Why this is correct
Least privilege grants only the permissions required for the task, which is execute without read.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Use defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth is a layered security strategy, not a specific access control model for individual permissions.
✗
Implement need-to-know
Why it's wrong here
Need-to-know limits access to sensitive information, but the requirement is for execute-only, not read; least privilege is more precise.
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 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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
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.
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: Apply least privilege — Least privilege grants only the permissions necessary to perform a task. The user only needs execute, not read. Option C is correct because it restricts access to the minimum required. Option A (need-to-know) limits access to sensitive info but not execution. Option B (separation of duties) divides tasks among different people. Option D (defense in depth) uses multiple layers of security.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Question Discussion
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