Quick Answer
The correct answer is least privilege, as the scenario shows a user with write access to HR documents that are unnecessary for their role. This security principle dictates that users should only be granted the minimum permissions required to perform their job functions, and granting excessive write access creates unnecessary risk of data modification or leakage. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, least privilege violations often appear in access control questions where a user’s permissions clearly exceed their job duties—a common trap is confusing it with need-to-know, which focuses on read access rather than overall permissions. A reliable memory tip is to think “least privilege = least permissions needed,” and when you see a user who can write to files they shouldn’t even read, you’ve spotted a least privilege violation.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. ``` User: jdoe Groups: Domain Users, VPN Users, HR-Read Effective Permissions on \\server\HRDocs: - Read - Write (inherited from HR-Read group) - Deny Delete ```
An administrator reviews the exhibit. Which security principle is being violated?
Refer to the exhibit. ``` User: jdoe Groups: Domain Users, VPN Users, HR-Read Effective Permissions on \\server\HRDocs: - Read - Write (inherited from HR-Read group) - Deny Delete ```
Non-repudiation
Why wrong: Non-repudiation is not relevant.
Separation of duties
Why wrong: No duty separation issue.
Least privilege
Correct. Write access may be excessive.
Accountability
Why wrong: Accountability is about logging, not permissions.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Least privilege
The user has write access to HR documents, which may not be necessary for their role, violating least privilege.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation is not relevant.
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
No duty separation issue.
Least privilege
Why this is correct
Correct. Write access may be excessive.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Accountability
Why it's wrong here
Accountability is about logging, not permissions.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Least privilege — The user has write access to HR documents, which may not be necessary for their role, violating least privilege.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Same concept, more angles
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. A system administrator is configuring permissions for a new file server. To adhere to the principle of least privilege, which approach should the administrator take?
easyVariation 2. A security administrator needs to ensure that a user cannot view the contents of a file but can execute it. Which access control principle should be applied?
easyWhy B: Least privilege grants only the permissions necessary to perform a task. The user only needs execute, not read. Option C is correct because it restricts access to the minimum required. Option A (need-to-know) limits access to sensitive info but not execution. Option B (separation of duties) divides tasks among different people. Option D (defense in depth) uses multiple layers of security.
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Last reviewed: Jun 6, 2026
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.
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