hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security analyst is troubleshooting an access…
A security analyst is troubleshooting an access control issue where a user cannot access a file even though they seem to have the correct permissions. Which three of the following should the analyst investigate? (Select THREE)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that 'effective permissions' are simply the sum of all allow entries, when in fact deny permissions explicitly override allows, and group membership must be checked recursively (including nested groups).
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
✓
File ownership
File ownership (A) is correct because Linux and Windows access control models (POSIX ACLs, NTFS) check the file's owner and group before applying permissions. If the user is not the owner or in the owning group, the 'other' permissions apply, which may deny access even if the user has a seemingly matching permission entry. The analyst must verify the file's owner and group against the user's identity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
File ownership
Why this is correct
File ownership can affect permissions, especially in systems with owner-specific privileges.
- ✗
Password expiration
Why it's wrong here
Password expiration would prevent login but not specifically block access to a single file.
- ✓
Group membership of the user
Why this is correct
The user might not be in the expected group, or the group may have different permissions.
- ✓
Deny permissions
Why this is correct
Deny entries override allow permissions and can cause unexpected access failures.
- ✗
Network connectivity
Why it's wrong here
Network issues would disrupt all remote access, not just to one file.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Introduction to Security Principles
Key term
User
A user is any person, system, or device that interacts with an IT service, resource, or identity system, typically authenticated through credentials and authorized to perform specific actions.
Key term
Access control
Access control is the security practice of determining who or what is allowed to view, use, or enter a resource, and under what conditions.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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