ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
A security analyst notices repeated failed login attempts from a single IP address. The account is locked after 10 failed attempts. This is an example of which type of control?
⚠ Common exam trap
CC often tests the distinction between control types (logical/technical vs. physical vs. administrative) and control functions (preventive vs. compensating), tricking candidates who focus on the attack rather than the control category.
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
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Logical access control
Account lockout after repeated failed logins is enforced by software (the operating system or application authentication logic), making it a logical access control. Logical controls govern access to systems and data through technical means such as passwords, lockout policies, and permissions, as opposed to physical or administrative controls.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Logical access control
Why this is correct
Account lockout after repeated failed logins is a logical access control: a software-enforced restriction on authentication attempts. It mitigates brute-force or password-guessing attacks from a single source by temporarily denying access, unlike physical or administrative controls.
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Compensating control
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout is a preventive control that stops further guessing; a compensating control substitutes for an unavailable primary control. It is tempting because lockout mitigates brute-force risk, and a compensating control would be correct where, for example, MFA cannot be deployed and a longer password plus lockout is used instead.
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Physical access control
Why it's wrong here
Lockout after failed logins is a technical or logical control operating within the authentication system, not a physical barrier. It is tempting because both restrict access to a resource, and a physical access control would be correct where locks, badges or guards restrict entry to a facility or room.
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Administrative control
Why it's wrong here
Account lockout after failed logins is a technical control enforced by the authentication system, not an administrative one. Administrative controls are policy, procedure and training measures such as a written lockout policy or security awareness programme; the lockout threshold itself is configured and enforced by technology.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Physical Access Controls
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.
Key term
Account lockout
Account lockout is a security feature that temporarily disables a user account after a set number of failed login attempts to prevent unauthorized access.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
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