ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
An organization classifies data as 'confidential' and requires encryption at rest and in transit. Which data classification level is likely being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
CC often tests whether candidates can match a classification label to its typical handling requirements, causing confusion when a higher level (Restricted) is present but not the one explicitly named in the scenario.
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
✓
Confidential
The 'Confidential' classification level is the one that typically mandates encryption at rest and in transit. In standard data classification schemes, Confidential data is sensitive and requires strong protection, including encryption, to prevent unauthorized disclosure. The question states the organization classifies data as 'confidential' and requires encryption, so the level being used is Confidential.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Public
Why it's wrong here
Public data carries no confidentiality requirement, so encryption at rest and in transit would not be mandated for it. It is tempting because public datasets are often published openly, yet that classification explicitly assumes disclosure is harmless, which contradicts the stem's confidential label and its encryption controls.
- ✗
Internal/Private
Why it's wrong here
Internal/Private covers data whose exposure harms the organisation but which is shared broadly across staff, and encryption is not its defining control. It is tempting because internal data is non-public, yet the stem's explicit confidential label and mandated encryption at rest and in transit indicate a higher classification.
- ✓
Confidential
Why this is correct
The stem states the organisation already classifies data as confidential and mandates encryption at rest and in transit for that level. Selecting confidential matches the label the scenario itself applies, satisfying the stated classification requirement rather than inventing a different tier.
- ✗
Restricted/Top Secret
Why it's wrong here
Restricted/Top Secret sits above confidential, typically demanding compartmentalisation, need-to-know access and stronger controls than encryption alone. It is tempting because it sounds like the highest protection tier, but the stem's single confidential label with encryption maps to the Confidential level, not the tier above it.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Key term
Standard
A standard is an agreed-upon set of rules, guidelines, or specifications that ensure consistency, compatibility, and quality across IT products, services, and processes.
Key term
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting readable data into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access.
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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
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.