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.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse authentication controls (SSO, 2FA) with authorization controls — candidates pick B or C because they sound like security best practices, but need-to-know is strictly about limiting data access based on job function.
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
Option A is correct because implementing data classification labels (e.g., Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted) tags information with its sensitivity level, which is the foundation for need-to-know decisions—users are only granted access to data whose classification matches their role and clearance. Option E is correct because restricting customer data access to only customer support staff is a direct application of need-to-know: access is limited to those whose job function requires that data, excluding other employees. Option B (single sign-on) is an authentication convenience that centralizes login but does not by itself limit access to only what a user needs. Option C (two-factor authentication) strengthens identity verification but addresses authentication assurance, not authorization scope. Option D (granting all employees access to the company directory) violates need-to-know by giving broad access regardless of job requirement.
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
Data classification labels tag information by sensitivity, enabling need-to-know enforcement because access decisions can be tied to clearance and label matching. Without labels, administrators cannot determine who legitimately requires specific data, so this practice directly supports least-privilege need-to-know access.
- ✗
Using a single sign-on solution
Why it's wrong here
Single sign-on authenticates a user once across multiple systems; it does not restrict which data each user may see. Need-to-know requires limiting access to information necessary for a specific task. It is tempting because SSO reduces credential sprawl, and it would be correct if the requirement were centralised authentication rather than data minimisation.
- ✗
Requiring two-factor authentication
Why it's wrong here
Two-factor authentication strengthens identity verification but does not limit what an authenticated user can access. Need-to-know governs the scope of granted permissions. It is tempting because MFA is a core access control safeguard, and it would be correct if the scenario required stronger proof of identity rather than restricting data to job-related information.
- ✗
Granting all employees access to the company directory
Why it's wrong here
Granting every employee directory access violates need-to-know by exposing all entries to staff with no job requirement. It is tempting because a shared directory aids collaboration, and it would be correct under a principle of maximum availability or open internal communication, not least privilege.
- ✓
Providing access to customer data only for customer support staff
Why this is correct
Restricting customer data to customer support staff embodies need-to-know by limiting access to those whose role requires it. Other roles are excluded regardless of clearance, ensuring access is granted only where a genuine business requirement exists, directly supporting the principle.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
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
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.
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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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