Quick Answer
The answer is separation of duties. This security principle requires that two or more individuals be responsible for completing a sensitive task, such as approving firewall rule changes, in order to reduce the risk of fraud, error, or unauthorized access. By splitting critical actions across multiple administrators, no single person has unchecked control, which directly prevents insider threats and accidental misconfigurations. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this concept often appears in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish it from least privilege, which limits permissions, or defense in depth, which layers security controls. A common trap is confusing separation of duties with need-to-know, but remember: separation of duties is about dividing tasks, not restricting data access. For a quick memory tip, think “two keys, one lock”—no single person can open the door alone.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. 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 requires that two different administrators approve changes to firewall rules. This is an example of which security principle?
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege is about minimal permissions, not dual approval.
Defense in depth
Why wrong: Defense in depth uses multiple security layers, not necessarily requiring multiple people.
Separation of duties
Requiring two approvals divides the task, preventing a single person from making unauthorized changes.
Need-to-know
Why wrong: Need-to-know limits access to information, not actions.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Separation of duties
Separation of duties requires multiple people to complete a sensitive task to reduce fraud and errors. Option B is correct. Option A (least privilege) limits permissions. Option C (defense in depth) uses layers. Option D (need-to-know) restricts data access.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege is about minimal permissions, not dual approval.
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth uses multiple security layers, not necessarily requiring multiple people.
Separation of duties
Why this is correct
Requiring two approvals divides the task, preventing a single person from making unauthorized changes.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Need-to-know
Why it's wrong here
Need-to-know limits access to information, not actions.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Security Principles — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Separation of duties — Separation of duties requires multiple people to complete a sensitive task to reduce fraud and errors. Option B is correct. Option A (least privilege) limits permissions. Option C (defense in depth) uses layers. Option D (need-to-know) restricts data access.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An organization requires that two separate administrators approve and implement changes to firewall rules. This practice enforces which security principle?
hardWhy D: Requiring two separate administrators to approve and implement firewall rule changes enforces separation of duties. This principle ensures that no single individual has the authority to both authorize and execute a change, reducing the risk of unauthorized modifications or errors. In firewall management, this prevents a single admin from introducing malicious or misconfigured rules without oversight.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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