The correct answer is Authentication and Authorization, as these two, along with Accounting, form the three core components of the AAA framework. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device, often through protocols like RADIUS or TACACS+, while Authorization determines what resources or actions that authenticated entity is permitted to access, typically enforced via privilege levels or ACLs. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control principles, and a common trap is confusing Authorization with Accounting—remember that Accounting is about logging and auditing, not permission granting. To lock in the distinction, use the mnemonic “AAA: Authenticate first, Authorize second, Audit third.”
ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. 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 administrator is reviewing the principles of access control. Which TWO of the following are core components of the AAA framework? (Select TWO.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Authorization
The AAA framework consists of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device (e.g., via RADIUS or TACACS+). Authorization determines what resources or actions the authenticated entity is permitted to access (e.g., via privilege levels or ACLs). Accounting tracks and logs user activities for auditing and billing purposes. Therefore, Authorization (A) and Authentication (D) are two of the three core components of AAA.
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.
✓
Authorization
Why this is correct
Authorization determines access rights; it is a core AAA component.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Identification
Why it's wrong here
Identification is a step before authentication, not a separate AAA component.
✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation is a security objective, not part of AAA.
✓
Authentication
Why this is correct
Authentication verifies identity; it is a core AAA component.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Auditing
Why it's wrong here
Auditing is part of accounting but not a separate AAA component.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests that candidates confuse 'Identification' with 'Authentication' or think 'Auditing' is a core AAA component instead of 'Accounting', leading them to select B or E incorrectly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, AAA is commonly implemented using protocols like RADIUS (RFC 2865) or TACACS+ (Cisco proprietary). In TACACS+, authentication and authorization are separated into distinct packets, allowing granular control (e.g., per-command authorization). A real-world scenario: a network administrator authenticates via TACACS+, then authorization checks whether they can enter 'configure terminal' based on their privilege level, while accounting logs the exact commands executed for compliance.
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.
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Authorization — The AAA framework consists of Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting. Authentication verifies the identity of a user or device (e.g., via RADIUS or TACACS+). Authorization determines what resources or actions the authenticated entity is permitted to access (e.g., via privilege levels or ACLs). Accounting tracks and logs user activities for auditing and billing purposes. Therefore, Authorization (A) and Authentication (D) are two of the three core components of AAA.
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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