mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
Which AAA Component Determines What Resources You Can Access?
Which component of the AAA framework determines what resources an authenticated user can access?
Quick Answer
The answer is authorization. In the AAA framework, authorization is the component that determines what resources an authenticated user can access, operating after authentication has verified the user’s identity. It enforces policies—such as those defined in a local database or via protocols like RADIUS or TACACS+—to permit or deny access to specific network services, commands, or resources. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of the logical sequence of AAA, and a common trap is confusing authorization with authentication, which only verifies who you are. Remember that authentication asks “Who are you?” while authorization asks “What are you allowed to do?” A simple memory tip is to think of the “A” in authorization as standing for “access rights,” helping you recall that it controls permissions after identity is confirmed.
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between authentication and authorization by presenting a scenario where a user is successfully logged in but cannot access a resource, and candidates mistakenly blame authentication instead of recognizing that authorization is the missing step.
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
✓
Authorization
Authorization is the component of the AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting) framework that determines what resources an authenticated user can access. After authentication verifies the user's identity, authorization enforces policies—such as those defined in a local database or via RADIUS/TACACS+—to permit or deny access to specific network services, commands, or resources.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Auditing
Why it's wrong here
Auditing is not a component of AAA; it is related but separate.
- ✗
Accounting
Why it's wrong here
Accounting logs activities.
- ✓
Authorization
Why this is correct
Authorization determines access rights.
- ✗
Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication verifies identity.
Visual reference
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Authentication and Authorization Methods
Key term
Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service
RADIUS is a network protocol that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and accounting for users trying to connect to a network service.
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.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on CC
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE components are part of the AAA framework?
hard- ✓ A.Authentication
- B.Accountability
- C.Auditing
- ✓ D.Accounting
- ✓ E.Authorization
Why A: Authentication is correct because the AAA framework (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) uses authentication to verify the identity of a user or device before granting access. This is typically done via credentials such as username/password, digital certificates, or tokens, and is the first step in the AAA process.
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.