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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Is designing a security architecture for a…
An organization is designing a security architecture for a cloud-based application. They implement firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption, and also conduct regular security awareness training. This approach demonstrates which security principle?
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
Defense in depth uses multiple layered controls. The combination of technical and administrative controls is key.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Defense in depth
Why this is correct
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security controls, both technical and administrative.
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Security through obscurity
Why it's wrong here
Security through obscurity relies on hiding design details, whereas firewalls, IDS, encryption and training are openly documented controls. It is tempting because obscurity is sometimes added alongside real controls, and would be correct only if secrecy of implementation were the primary protection.
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Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege restricts each identity to the minimum access needed; firewalls, IDS, encryption and training are layered controls, not permission scoping. It is tempting because least privilege underpins access design, and would be correct if the scenario described limiting user or service account permissions.
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Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties splits critical tasks across different people to prevent fraud; the scenario describes layered technical controls and awareness training instead. It is tempting because it is a core architecture principle, and would be correct if one person could not both request and approve a privileged change.
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Related to this question
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Security Awareness and Training
Key term
Encryption
Encryption is the process of converting readable data into a secret code to prevent unauthorized access.
Key term
Defense in depth
Defense in depth is a cybersecurity strategy that uses multiple layers of security controls to protect information and systems, so if one layer fails, another layer is already in place to stop the attack.
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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.