easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A security analyst notices that a user's account…
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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'.
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
✓
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Availability
Why it's wrong here
Availability ensures systems are accessible; unauthorized access does not affect availability.
- ✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation provides proof of actions; it does not prevent unauthorized access.
- ✗
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.
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
Confidentiality
Confidentiality means keeping sensitive information secret and accessible only to authorized people or systems.
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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.