This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 separate administrators approve and implement changes to firewall rules. This practice enforces which security principle?
Least privilege
Why wrong: Least privilege limits permissions, but does not require multiple approvals.
Defense in depth
Why wrong: Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security, not necessarily multiple approvals.
Need to know
Why wrong: Need to know restricts access to information, not changes.
Separation of duties
Requiring two administrators to approve changes is a classic example of separation of duties.
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
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.
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.
Least privilege
Why it's wrong here
Least privilege limits permissions, but does not require multiple approvals.
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
Defense in depth uses multiple layers of security, not necessarily multiple approvals.
Need to know
Why it's wrong here
Need to know restricts access to information, not changes.
Separation of duties
Why this is correct
Requiring two administrators to approve changes is a classic example of separation of duties.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests separation of duties by describing a scenario involving multiple people for a single task, and the trap is confusing it with least privilege, which focuses on limiting permissions rather than splitting responsibilities.
Detailed technical explanation
Separation of duties is a core internal control mechanism often implemented via change management workflows, such as requiring one admin to create a change request and another to apply it via tools like Cisco Firepower Management Center (FMC) with role-based access control (RBAC). Under the hood, this can be enforced by configuring distinct user roles (e.g., 'Network Operator' vs. 'Security Approver') in AAA systems like TACACS+ or RADIUS, where command authorization is split. In real-world scenarios, this prevents a rogue admin from silently opening a backdoor rule (e.g., allowing all traffic from a malicious IP) without peer review.
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
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FAQ
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Separation of duties — 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.
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
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