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ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security administrator needs to ensure that a…
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 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
✓
Apply least privilege
Least privilege grants only the permissions necessary to perform a task. The user only needs execute, not read. Option A (separation of duties) divides tasks among different people, which is not relevant. Option B (least privilege) is correct because it restricts access to the minimum required. Option C (defense in depth) uses multiple layers of security. Option D (need-to-know) limits access to sensitive information but does not cover execution. Therefore, Option B is correct.
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.
- ✗
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.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
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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JA
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.