ISC2 CC Security Principles Practice Question
An organization implements a defense-in-depth strategy by deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection. Which security principle does this approach primarily demonstrate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse defense in depth with zero trust, assuming any multiple-control deployment is zero trust, when zero trust specifically requires continuous verification and no implicit trust.
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
✓
Defense in depth
The correct answer is defense in depth. This principle involves implementing multiple layers of security controls so that if one fails, others still provide protection. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection are classic examples of layered defenses. Least privilege, separation of duties, and zero trust are related but distinct concepts that do not directly describe the scenario.
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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Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege means giving users only the minimum access necessary to perform their jobs. While important, the scenario describes multiple layers of security controls, not access restrictions. The deployment of firewalls, IDS, and endpoint protection is about overlapping defenses, not about limiting user permissions. Therefore, least privilege is not the principle illustrated.
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Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties ensures that critical tasks are divided among multiple people to prevent fraud and errors. The scenario does not mention dividing responsibilities among personnel; it focuses on technical controls. Thus, separation of duties is not the primary principle demonstrated by deploying multiple security technologies.
- ✓
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Defense in depth is a layered security approach where multiple controls are used to protect assets. By deploying firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection, the organization creates overlapping defenses that reduce the likelihood of a single point of failure. This directly exemplifies the defense-in-depth principle, which is a core security strategy.
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Zero trust
Why it's wrong here
Zero trust is a security model that assumes no implicit trust and verifies every access request. While defense in depth can be part of a zero trust architecture, the scenario does not mention continuous verification or micro-segmentation. The simple deployment of multiple security controls is more accurately described as defense in depth, not zero trust.
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
Separation of duties
Separation of duties is a security principle that splits critical tasks and privileges among multiple people to prevent fraud, errors, and abuse of power.
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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.