Quick Answer
The answer is the Windows security event log. This is the most important log source for detecting unauthorized file access because it records every attempt to access an object, such as a file, via Event ID 4663, which captures the user’s security identifier (SID) and the requested access mask. A SIEM can then correlate this data with the file’s discretionary access control list (DACL) to identify an “Access Denied” result, making it the definitive source for spotting permission violations. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept tests your understanding of log sources and SIEM correlation; a common trap is to choose application logs or firewall logs, which lack the granular object-level auditing needed for file access. Remember the mnemonic “4663 for the key” — Event ID 4663 is your go-to for tracking who tried to open what.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization has implemented a SIEM solution. The security team wants to detect when a user attempts to access a file they do not have permission to read. Which log source is most important for this detection?
Windows security event logs
Security event logs include audit events for file access and can show access denied events.
Web server access logs
Why wrong: Web server logs track HTTP requests, not local file access on a workstation.
DNS logs
Why wrong: DNS logs show domain name resolution, not file access.
Firewall logs
Why wrong: Firewall logs track network traffic, not file-level access.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Windows security event logs
Windows security event logs (specifically Event ID 4663) record every attempt to access an object, including files, and include the user's security identifier (SID) and the requested access mask. This allows the SIEM to correlate the user's identity with the file's discretionary access control list (DACL) to detect an 'Access Denied' result, making it the definitive source for detecting unauthorized file access attempts.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Windows security event logs
Why this is correct
Security event logs include audit events for file access and can show access denied events.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Web server access logs
Why it's wrong here
Web server logs track HTTP requests, not local file access on a workstation.
DNS logs
Why it's wrong here
DNS logs show domain name resolution, not file access.
Firewall logs
Why it's wrong here
Firewall logs track network traffic, not file-level access.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the misconception that network-level logs (firewall, DNS) or application-level logs (web server) can detect OS-level file access, when in fact only the operating system's security audit subsystem can capture such granular user-to-object access attempts.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
DNS logs show domain name resolution, not file access.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Windows security event logging uses the kernel-mode Security Reference Monitor (SRM) to generate audit events for every access check against a securable object. Event ID 4663 includes fields like 'AccessMask' (e.g., 0x1 for ReadData) and 'AccessDenied' (a flag in the event), which a SIEM can parse to identify failed attempts. In a real-world scenario, a SIEM rule might correlate Event ID 4663 with a user who lacks 'Read' permission on a file's DACL, triggering an alert even if the user never successfully opened the file.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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. 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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Windows security event logs — Windows security event logs (specifically Event ID 4663) record every attempt to access an object, including files, and include the user's security identifier (SID) and the requested access mask. This allows the SIEM to correlate the user's identity with the file's discretionary access control list (DACL) to detect an 'Access Denied' result, making it the definitive source for detecting unauthorized file access attempts.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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