ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
A security architect is designing an access control policy based on the principle of need-to-know. Which TWO practices support this principle? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
Implementing data classification labels
Need-to-know means only accessing data necessary for job functions. Data classification and role-based access help enforce this.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Implementing data classification labels
Why this is correct
Labels help determine who needs access.
- ✗
Using a single sign-on solution
Why it's wrong here
SSO simplifies authentication, not data access control.
- ✗
Requiring two-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
2FA strengthens authentication, not need-to-know.
- ✗
Granting all employees access to the company directory
Why it's wrong here
Directory access may not be needed for all roles.
- ✓
Providing access to customer data only for customer support staff
Why this is correct
Restricting data to roles that need it aligns with need-to-know.
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
Role
A role is a named set of permissions that can be assigned to users or groups to control access to resources in an IT environment.
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
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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.