hardMultiple Choice
ISC2 CC Practice Question: An analyst reviews the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::bucket1/*",
"Condition": {
"IpAddress": {"aws:SourceIp": "10.0.0.0/24"}
}
},
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "s3:*",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::bucket2/*"
}
]
}
```An analyst reviews the exhibit. What security principle is best demonstrated by this policy?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests least privilege by describing a policy that restricts access to only what is needed, and the trap is confusing it with separation of duties because both involve limiting actions, but separation of duties focuses on dividing tasks among multiple people to prevent collusion, not on minimizing individual permissions.
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
✓
Least privilege
The policy grants users only the permissions necessary to perform their job functions, which is the core definition of least privilege. By restricting access to only required resources, the policy minimizes the attack surface and limits potential damage from compromised accounts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties splits a sensitive task across different people so no single actor completes it alone; the exhibit's policy assigns permissions or conditions to one role rather than dividing a transaction between parties. It is tempting because it is a fundamental control, but it requires multiple actors, which the policy does not establish.
- ✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defence in depth means layering independent controls so one failure does not expose the asset; the exhibit's policy governs a single decision point rather than stacked, independent safeguards. Layering is tempting because it is a core security principle, but it applies where multiple distinct controls are combined, not to one access rule.
- ✗
Non-repudiation
Why it's wrong here
Non-repudiation uses cryptographic proof or signed audit records binding an action to its originator; the exhibit's policy merely permits or denies access and creates no verifiable evidence of who performed what. It is tempting because logging and accountability are related concepts, but non-repudiation demands cryptographic assurance the policy does not supply.
- ✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
The policy restricts access to only what each role requires, which is the definition of least privilege. This satisfies the stem's requirement to identify the principle demonstrated, since the exhibit limits entitlements rather than layering controls or verifying identity repeatedly.
Go deeper
Related to this question
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.
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.