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 security analyst notices that a user's account has been used to access sensitive files outside of normal working hours from an unknown IP address. Which security principle is most directly violated?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Confidentiality
The scenario describes unauthorized access to sensitive files from an unknown IP address outside normal hours, which directly violates the principle of confidentiality. Confidentiality ensures that data is accessible only to authorized users and systems, and this breach indicates that sensitive information may have been exposed to an unauthorized party.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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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Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability ensures systems are accessible; unauthorized access does not affect availability.
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Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation provides proof of actions; it does not prevent unauthorized access.
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Integrity
Why it's wrong here
Integrity ensures data is not modified; unauthorized access does not necessarily imply modification.
✓
Confidentiality
Why this is correct
Confidentiality prevents unauthorized disclosure; the access compromised confidentiality.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between confidentiality and integrity by presenting a scenario where data is accessed (not modified), leading candidates to mistakenly choose integrity because they conflate 'unauthorized access' with 'data tampering'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In practice, confidentiality is enforced through access control mechanisms such as discretionary access control (DAC) or mandatory access control (MAC), often implemented via ACLs on file servers or role-based access control (RBAC) in Active Directory. Anomalous access from an unknown IP outside working hours would trigger SIEM alerts, and investigation might reveal a compromised credential or a session hijacking attack, emphasizing the need for multi-factor authentication and geolocation-based policies.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. 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.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Confidentiality — The scenario describes unauthorized access to sensitive files from an unknown IP address outside normal hours, which directly violates the principle of confidentiality. Confidentiality ensures that data is accessible only to authorized users and systems, and this breach indicates that sensitive information may have been exposed to an unauthorized party.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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