The correct choice is rule-based access control (RuBAC) because it evaluates dynamic conditions—like an expense report amount exceeding $10,000—to trigger a specific authorization rule, rather than relying solely on a user’s static role or identity. In this scenario, the access decision hinges on a real-time attribute (the dollar value), which is precisely what RuBAC is designed to handle through policy-based engines or access control lists that enforce conditional logic. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish RuBAC from role-based access control (RBAC), a common trap where test-takers mistakenly choose RBAC because the rule involves a “manager” role. Remember: if the decision depends on a changing condition (like amount, time, or location) rather than just a job title, it’s rule-based, not role-based. A helpful memory tip: “Rules react to conditions; roles react to titles.”
ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 architect is designing access controls for a new application. The requirement is that only managers can approve expense reports above $10,000. Which control model best fits this requirement?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Rule-based access control (RuBAC)
Rule-based access control (RuBAC) uses a set of rules or conditions to determine access decisions, such as the expense report amount exceeding $10,000. In this scenario, the access control decision depends on a dynamic attribute (the expense amount) rather than a static role or identity, making RuBAC the best fit. RuBAC is often implemented using access control lists (ACLs) or policy-based engines that evaluate conditions like 'if amount > 10000 then require manager approval'.
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.
✗
Role-based access control (RBAC)
Why it's wrong here
RBAC assigns permissions based on roles, but not dynamic rules like expense amount.
✗
Discretionary access control (DAC)
Why it's wrong here
DAC allows owners to set permissions, not rule-based on transaction attributes.
✗
Mandatory access control (MAC)
Why it's wrong here
MAC uses labels, not transaction rules.
✓
Rule-based access control (RuBAC)
Why this is correct
RuBAC uses rules (e.g., conditions) to determine access, matching the requirement.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
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 RBAC and RuBAC by presenting a scenario with a conditional rule (like a dollar threshold), leading candidates to mistakenly choose RBAC because they focus on the 'manager' role rather than the rule that triggers the approval requirement.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
RuBAC is often implemented using policy decision points (PDPs) and policy enforcement points (PEPs) that evaluate rules against attributes (e.g., user role, resource value, time of day). For example, in a financial application, a rule might be defined as 'IF expense.amount > 10000 AND user.role == "Manager" THEN permit', which is evaluated at runtime. This model is flexible and can be combined with RBAC (as in attribute-based access control, ABAC) to handle complex, context-aware decisions.
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: Rule-based access control (RuBAC) — Rule-based access control (RuBAC) uses a set of rules or conditions to determine access decisions, such as the expense report amount exceeding $10,000. In this scenario, the access control decision depends on a dynamic attribute (the expense amount) rather than a static role or identity, making RuBAC the best fit. RuBAC is often implemented using access control lists (ACLs) or policy-based engines that evaluate conditions like 'if amount > 10000 then require manager approval'.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.